Power receptacle wireless access point devices for networked living and work spaces

ABSTRACT

Described herein are power receptacle wireless access point (AP) devices that may be used as part of a networked (smart) living and work space. These power receptacle wireless AP devices may be wall-mounted and/or retrofitted over existing electrical outlets or light switches, for providing wireless access to a room or region of a room. The power receptacle wireless AP device may connect via power line communication to a data connection.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority to the following provisionalpatent applications: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/949,918,filed Mar. 7, 2014, and titled “DIGITAL THERMOSTAT, POWER OUTLET, ANDLIGHT DIMMER;” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/954,244, filedMar. 17, 2014, and titled “MANAGING AN ARRAY OF ANTENNAE OF AN ACCESSPOINT;” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/031,106, filedJul. 30, 2014, and titled “DEVICES AND METHODS FOR NETWORKED LIVING ANDWORK SPACES.” Each of these patent applications is herein incorporatedby reference in its entirety.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specificationare herein incorporated by reference in their entirety to the sameextent as if each individual publication or patent application wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

FIELD

This disclosure is generally related to networking and/or automation ofhabitable structure. Described herein are outlets/switches with sensorarrays (e.g., camera, speaker, etc.), including ‘smart’ outlets andswitches. Also described herein are outlets and switches, and adaptersfor standard outlets and switches, that a may be fed by power linecommunication and may act as wireless access points. Any of the switchesand outlets described herein may be used with a local hub to allow‘smart’ monitoring and control of the habitable structure (e.g., a homeautomation system), including network-controllable digital thermostats,power outlets, and light dimmers.

BACKGROUND

Home automation, or smart homes, has enhanced the quality of life oftheir users. A home automation system may enable centralized control oflighting, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), appliances,and other systems, thus providing improved convenience, comfort, energyefficiency, and security. Some automation systems provide a way toautomate the control of a device based on timed or environmentalfactors, such as in an HVAC unit or a sprinkler system. However, thesetypical automation systems provide automated control for an individualtype of appliance, and the different automation systems do not interfacewith one another to provide a complete home automation solution.

In contrast, in a smart home, electrical devices/appliances in the houseare integrated together to provide convenience and a better livingexperience for its users. Moreover, the ubiquitousness of the Internetconnection has also made it possible for a user to monitor and/orcontrol his home remotely. For example, a true smart home may allow auser, while away from the home, to monitor activities in his home; andremotely turn on/off various home appliances, arm security measures, ortrack air quality indicators. Monitoring and control of various aspectsof the habitable space, weather home, office or other types of spaces,has long been the goal of smart home systems. Unfortunately, this goalhas proven difficult to achieve in practice. Currently available andproposed smart systems have not been able to keep up with an increasingnumber of components (e.g., sensors, controls, and appliances) thatcould be monitored and controlled. Further, even limited systems haveproven to be expensive and difficult to operate. Most significantly,such systems often require a great deal of cost and effort to install,requiring wiring, including pulling cable and modifications to buildinginfrastructures which make them difficult, if not impossible to use.

For example, typical home automation technologies are often implementedusing specially designed control and monitor devices that that can beunder the control of a third-party service. In the example of the homesurveillance system, the surveillance system controller is connected tovarious specially designed sensors and/or cameras provided by theservice provider. When the home owner contracts the service provider toinstall the service, the service provider may sell or lease eachcontroller and sensor to the home owner at a premium. To make mattersworse, the home owner may also need to pay a monthly subscription fee tothe service provider to monitor and maintain the surveillance system.Hence, installing and using these third-party systems can be a largeexpense to users that prefer to install, configure, and monitor theirown home automation system.

In general, it would be beneficial to provide apparatuses (e.g., systemsand devices) that are capable of forming a network for use incontrolling and/or monitoring a habitable space (e.g., home, apartment,office, factory, etc.).

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Described herein are devices, including switches, outlets and adaptersfor switches and outlets, that may be used to form a network ofcomponents as part of a smart (or automated) network. Any of thecomponents described herein may be used separately or in anycombination. In particular, any of the apparatuses described herein maybe used as part of a smart network for a habitable space/structure.

For example, described herein are networks of various sensors andcontrollers (nodes) that may form a ‘smart’ wirelessly connectedhabitable space (e.g., home, office, work, etc.) network. Specificexamples of smart networks are provided herein, and may include adigital hub that receives information from each of plurality of nodes,processes the information from the nodes, and applies one or more rulesbased on sensed data, and in particular combinations of sensed data. Thedigital hub may connect to an external server (e.g., a cloud computing),or be part of a cloud computing service. One or more access devices,such as smartphones, tablets, computers, etc. may connect to the smartnetwork, including the hub. Thus, described herein are the devices,including a digital hub and a variety of different nodes that cancommunicate with the hub, as well as methods of operating them andmethods of securing connecting them. In addition, any of the nodedevices described herein may be operated independently (e.g., asstand-alone devices) without requiring a digital hub. Any of the nodesdescribed herein may also be operated as a local network without adigital hub (e.g., as a MESH network).

Also described herein are wireless access points that integrate directlywith electrical outlets or wall switches and provide wirelessconnectivity to devices within a space via power line communication to alocal area network, and may be referred to as power receptacle wirelessaccess point (AP) devices or systems. These devices and systems mayallow establishing multiple Wi-Fi access points (APs) thorough out anexisting structure without requiring any additional cabling (e.g.,Ethernet cabling). For example, a “standard” outlet or light switch maybe converted into an AP, wirelessly transmitting and received Wi-Fisignals and converting these signals for transmission via power linecommunication on the power line to a virtual switch that is alsoconnected to the local power line. These converted outlets/lightswitches may also include one or more dedicated Ethernet ports oroutlets, including PoE ports. Any of the power receptacle wirelessaccess point (AP) devices and system described herein may also beintegrated or included with the smart home networks described herein.

In general, the smart home networks are formed of a plurality of sensingand audio-visual nodes distributed throughout a habitable structure.Although the networks may be referred to as smart “home” networks orautomated home networks, they may be applied in any habitable structure,including houses, apartments, commercial spaces, offices, factories, orthe like. The nodes described herein are configured to wirelesslyconnect and may be adapted to interface with entertainment (e.g., music,video, etc.) libraries. In general, any of the smart networks describedherein may include a digital hub receiving and processing informationfrom each of the nodes.

Although smart homes (automated homes) have been described before, suchsystems are typically relatively one-dimensional; they include controls,timers and in some cases sensors (e.g., motion detectors, etc.) that canbe programmed to act automatically, for example, to turn on or off anappliance at a certain schedule. What is missing is the higherdimensional functionality that may be possible when receivinginformation in a number of different data streams (e.g., differentsensing modalities) for different locations within a structure. Thedigital hubs described herein may be operated with one or nodes(including the nodes described herein) to integrate information from aplurality of different data streams and make higher-level decisionsbased on these data streams.

For example, described herein are digital hub devices for communicatingwith and processing data from a plurality of sensing and audio-visualnodes distributed throughout a habitable structure, the devicecomprising: a base housing; a wireless module within the housing; aprocessor within the housing, wherein the processor is programmed to:receive data from the plurality of sensing and audiovisual nodesdistributed throughout the habitable structure; parse the received datainto a plurality of data streams, wherein each data stream correspondsto a pre-defined parameter and includes data related to that parameter,wherein data within each data stream is associated with a locationrelative to the habitable structure; monitor the plurality of datastreams to determine if one or more parameter values from one or more(e.g., a plurality) of the data streams meets a triggering condition forapplying a rule; and apply the rule when the triggering condition ismet; and a memory coupled to the processor storing trigger conditionsand rules.

A digital hub device for communicating with and processing data from aplurality of sensing and audio-visual nodes distributed at differentlocations throughout a habitable structure may include: a base housing;a wireless module within the housing; a display on an outer surface ofthe base housing; a processor within the housing, wherein the processoris programmed to: receive data from the plurality of sensing andaudiovisual nodes distributed at different locations throughout thehabitable structure; parse the received data into a plurality of datastreams, wherein each data stream corresponds to a pre-defined parameterand wherein data within each data stream is associated with a locationrelative to the habitable structure, further wherein at least two of theparameters are selected from the group comprising: temperature, motion,humidity, sound, smoke concentration, CO2 concentration, NO2concentration, CO concentration, electrical current, light intensity,volatile organic compound concentration, and combustible gasconcentration; analyze the plurality of data streams to determineoccupancy of each location; monitor the plurality of data streams todetermine if one or more parameter values from one or more of the datastreams meets a triggering condition for applying a rule; and apply therule when the triggering condition is met; and a memory coupled to theprocessor, the memory storing trigger conditions and rules.

In some variations, a digital hub device for communicating with andprocessing data from a plurality of sensing and audio-visual nodesdistributed at different locations throughout a habitable structure, thedevice comprising: a base housing; a wireless module within the housing;a display on an outer surface of the base housing; a processor withinthe housing, wherein the processor is programmed to: receive data fromthe plurality of sensing and audiovisual nodes distributed at differentlocations throughout the habitable structure; parse the received datainto a plurality of data streams, including an air quality data stream,a temperature data stream, a visual data stream, and an audio datastream; monitor the air quality data stream to determine air quality ateach of a plurality of locations relative to the habitable structure,and trigger an alert if the air quality falls outside of a predeterminedair quality threshold range; monitor the temperature data stream todetermine the temperature at each of a plurality of locations relativeto the habitable structure, compare the temperature at each of theplurality of locations to a predetermined set temperature or settemperature range, and trigger a temperature adjustment based on thecomparison; and determine occupancy of each region of the structureusing the visual data stream, the audio data stream or the visual datastream and audio data stream for each of the plurality of differentlocations relative to the structure.

A digital hub device may generally include a connector on the basehousing configured to connect to a data storage expansion unit. Thus,the hub may be modular, allowing expansion of the storage and/orprocessing by stacking (or otherwise adding) additional modules. Thedigital hub may also include a display (e.g., a screen, touchscreen,etc.) on an outer surface of the device.

In general, the hub processor may be programmed to parse the receiveddata into the plurality of data streams, wherein each data streamcorresponds to a pre-defined parameter. Parameters may be selected fromthe group comprising: temperature, motion, humidity, sound, smokeconcentration, CO₂ concentration, NO₂ concentration, CO concentration,electrical current, light intensity, volatile organic compoundconcentration, and combustible gas concentration. Each parametertypically corresponds to the sensed information. Additional (secondorder) parameters may be derived by the node from the sensed data,including combinations of sensed data. An example of parameters mayinclude motion (e.g., from video data), occupancy (e.g., from audio,motion/video data, etc.) or the like.

The processor may be programmed to communicate with an outside processor(e.g., smartphone, tablet, PC, etc.) such as a handheld device, todisplay information about the parameters based on the received data. Theprocessor may be further programmed to apply the rule by transmittingcontrol instructions using the wireless module to one or more elementswithin the habitable structure. The processor may be programmed to applythe rule by transmitting an alert, using the wireless module, to anemergency services provider (e.g., ambulance, police, fire, etc.). Theprocessor may be further programmed to apply the rule by transmitting analert, using the wireless module, to a registered user. The processormay be configured to receive input from a user for modifying or addingto the trigger conditions and rules.

Also described herein are methods of communicating with and processingdata from a plurality of sensing and audio-visual nodes distributed atdifferent locations throughout a habitable structure at a digital hub,the method comprising: receiving in a digital hub, data from theplurality of sensing and audiovisual nodes distributed throughout thehabitable structure; parsing, in the digital hub, the received data intoa plurality of data streams, wherein each data stream corresponds to apre-defined parameter and includes data related to that parameter,wherein data within each data stream is associated with a locationrelative to the habitable structure; monitoring, in the digital hub, theplurality of data streams to determine if one or more parameter valuesfrom one or more of the data streams meets a triggering condition forapplying a rule; and applying the rule when the triggering condition ismet.

As mentioned above, a hub may be used with a node, to receive dataand/or to execute a rule. For example, a node may include one or moresensors and/or one or more actuators. A node may generally be configuredto be a wall-mounted, floor-mounted or ceiling-mounted device thatincludes one or more sensors and communicates wirelessly with the hub.In some variations the node may communicate with other nodes, and/or maybe operated without a hub.

For example, a node may be a wall-mounted, interactive sensing andaudio-visual node device for a networked living/working space. The nodedevice may include: a faceplate having an outer surface; a camera modulecomprising a lens mounted in the faceplate; a microphone module mountedto faceplate; at least one sensor module mounted on the faceplate, thesensor module comprising one or more sensors selected from: a smokedetector, a CO detector, a combustible gas sensor, a temperature sensor,a humidity sensor, a CO2 detector, dust sensor; a NO2 sensor, aformaldehyde sensor, and a volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor; awireless module configured to wirelessly transmit and receive data; alocal controller configured to process information to and from thecamera module, microphone module, and sensor module, wherein the localcontroller encodes and prioritizes information from each of the cameramodule, microphone module, and sensor module for transmission on thewireless module, and controls each of camera module, microphone module,and sensor module based on information received by the wirelesstransmitter and receiver; a wall power input configured to connect to apower line and to distribute power from the power line to each of thecamera module, microphone module, sensor module, wireless module andlocal controller; wherein the faceplate is configured to be mounted to awall so that the outer surface of the faceplate faces away from thewall.

Any of the nodes described herein may be wired directly to theelectrical wiring of the structure (residence, office, etc.). Forexample, a wall-mounted, interactive sensing and audio-visual nodedevice for a networked living/working space may include: a faceplatehaving an outer surface; a camera module comprising a lens mounted inthe faceplate; a display module, comprising a touch screen, mounted onthe faceplate; a microphone module mounted to faceplate; a speakermodule having an output mounted on the faceplate; at least one sensormodule mounted on the faceplate, the sensor module comprising one ormore sensors selected from: a smoke detector, a CO detector, acombustible gas sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a CO2detector, dust sensor; a NO2 sensor, a formaldehyde sensor, and avolatile organic compound (VOC) sensor; a wireless module configured towirelessly transmit and receive data; a local controller configured toprocess information to and from the camera module, display module,speaker module, microphone module and sensor module, wherein the localcontroller encodes and prioritizes information from each of the cameramodule, display module, speaker module, microphone module and sensormodule for transmission on the wireless transmitter and receiver, andcontrols each of camera module, display module, speaker module,microphone module and sensor module based on information received by thewireless transmitter and receiver; a wall power input configured toconnect to a power line and to distribute power from the power line toeach of the camera module, display module, speaker module, microphonemodule and sensor module, wireless module and local controller; whereinthe faceplate is configured to be mounted to a wall so that the outersurface of the faceplate faces away from the wall.

The device may be incorporated as part of a light switch and/or poweroutlet. Any of these devices may include an opening through thefaceplate for a light switch. The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein thelocal controller is configured to receive control information from aremote hub and to modify the operation of a one or more of the cameramodule, microphone module and sensor module based on informationreceived from the remote hub.

The local controller may be configured to communicate with one or moreother interactive sensing and audio-visual node devices in a distributedcomputing network, and to negotiate with the one or more otherinteractive sensing and audio-visual node devices to modify theoperation of one or more of the camera module, microphone module andsensor module.

Any of these devices may include a power line communication (PLC)circuit. For example, the PLC circuit may be coupled to the faceplate,and configured to receive data from and transmit data on the power lineconnected to the wall power input, the PLC circuit connected to thelocal controller.

Any of these node devices may also include a USB port on the faceplateand/or an Ethernet connection on the faceplate. For example, the nodemay include a power over Ethernet (PoE) output plug on the faceplate.

In general, the lens of the camera module may be a very wide-angle lens.This may allow visualizing of greater than 120° of view relative to thefaceplate. The controller may be configured to detect motion using thecamera module. The sensor module may comprise a motion sensor.Alternatively a separate motion sensor may be included.

The faceplate may be configured to be mounted to an electrical box in awall so that the faceplate covers the opening into the electrical box.For example, as mentioned above, the node may be used as a faceplate foran electrical wall outlet or switch (light switch) and may be adapted toinclude or allow passage of one or more outlets or switches. Forexample, the faceplate may be adapted to replace a traditional faceplateof a switch and/or outlet (for example, the node may include a switch,such as a light switch, configured to connect and disconnect power fromthe power line to a power output). In some variations the node includesan integrate outlet and/or switch and can replace the entire outletand/or switch in the electrical box, rather than just covering it.However, in some variations the node components (modules) are compactlyarranged on the faceplate so that they node can replace a traditionalfaceplate of a switch or outlet.

Any of the nodes described above may also be configured as wirelessaccess points, which may connect (e.g., via an Ethernet connectionand/or by a PLC circuit) to a router forming a local area network (LAN).

In addition, also described herein are switches/outlets that arewireless access points fed by power line communication. These device maynot be nodes (e.g., do not include one or more sensors), though they maybe used over or in place of a traditional wall outlet/switch. Forexample, a power receptacle wireless access point (AP) device mayinclude: a wall power input configured to connect to a power line; apower line communication (PLC) circuit, the PLC circuit configured toreceive data from and transmit data on a power line connected to thewall power input; at least one antenna; a wireless AP circuit connectedto the PLC circuit, the wireless AP configured to receive data from thePLC circuit and to wirelessly transmit the data using the at least oneantenna, and further configured to receive wireless data on the at leastone antenna and to transmit the received data to the PLC circuit; and amount configured to mount the device in or over an electrical box.

A power receptacle wireless access point (AP) device may include: a wallpower input configured to connect to a power line; a power linecommunication (PLC) circuit, the PLC circuit configured to receive datafrom and transmit data on a power line connected to the wall powerinput; at least one antenna; a wireless AP circuit connected to the PLCcircuit, the wireless AP configured to receive data from the PLC circuitand to wirelessly transmit the data using the at least one antenna, andfurther configured to receive wireless data on the at least one antennaand to transmit the received data to the PLC circuit; an electricalpower outlet configured to receive electrical power from the power lineand provide electrical power to a plug connected to the electrical poweroutlet; and a mount configured to mount the device in an electrical box.

A power receptacle wireless access point (AP) device, the devicecomprising: a wall power input configured to connect to a power line; apower line communication (PLC) circuit, the PLC circuit configured toreceive data from and transmit data on a power line connected to thewall power input; at least one antenna; a wireless AP circuit connectedto the PLC circuit and to the at least one antenna, the wireless APconfigured to receive data from the PLC circuit and to wirelesslytransmit the data using the at least one antenna, and further configuredto receive wireless data from the at least one antenna and to transmitthe received data to the PLC circuit for transmission on the power line;and a faceplate configured to fit over an electrical box, wherein thewireless AP circuit, antenna and power line communication circuit areconnected to the faceplate.

Any of the PLC circuits and the wireless AP circuits for the powerreceptacle wireless access point devices described herein may receivepower from the wall power input. In general, the PLC circuit maycomprise a demodulator configured to demodulate a data signal from thepower line and/or a modulator configured to modulate a data signal fortransmission on the power line.

As mentioned, any of the devices described herein (including the powerreceptacle wireless access point devices, may be configured to includeone or more electrical power outlet configured to receive electricalpower from the power line, so that another device requiring power can beplugged into the power outlet. In some variations the power receptaclewireless access point (AP) device may be configured as a faceplate to goover a standard power outlet, and connect to the power line, so that anintegrated power outlet is not necessary.

As also mentioned above, any of the devices described herein (includingthe power receptacle wireless access point devices) can be configured toinclude a light switch (including a manual/toggle style switch, athree-way switch (or other multi-way switch), a touch switch, a dimmerswitch, or the like. Thus, the device may include a switch configured toconnect power from the power line to a power output; the power outletmay be connected to a light and/or other fixture, including a poweroutlet.

In general, any of the devices (and particularly the power receptaclewireless access point devices) described herein may include a housingconfigured to house the PLC circuit, antenna and wireless AP circuit,and any other components. Any of the power receptacle wireless accesspoint devices may also include a faceplate configured to fit over anelectrical box in a wall/ceiling/floor, wherein the wireless AP circuit,antenna and power line communication circuit are connected to thefaceplate.

The antenna in the power receptacle wireless access point device may beany appropriate antenna for establishing a wireless access point, andmay include multiple antennas, such as a transmission antenna and areceiving antenna, or the like. For example, the at least one antennamay be a Wi-Fi antenna. In general, the AP circuit may include anycomponents necessary for establishing a Wi-Fi access point, including awireless radio, transceiver, Wi-Fi controller, and the like. Forexample, the wireless AP circuit may include a Wi-Fi radio circuit.

Any of the devices described herein and particularly the powerreceptacle wireless access point devices, may include an Ethernet (PoE)output plug into which an Ethernet cable can be plugged. Thus, theoutlets described herein may also provide a wired connection to the APthrough such an Ethernet plug, and may provide PoE to a connecteddevice.

In any variations described herein, the power receptacle wireless accesspoint devices may be adapted to be placed into a standard-sized powerbox inserted into a wall, floor or ceiling. The power receptaclewireless access point device may be retrofitted into an existing poweroutlet or power switch and may be sized to fit a standard electrical boxfor a power outlet/power switch. In variations in which the powerreceptacle wireless access point device includes a faceplate forcovering the power box, the device may include a mount (e.g., screws,etc.) for securing over a power box, including securing to an existingpower outlet. For example, a mount may be a screw and/or an opening fora screw, to which the device may be coupled. In variations in which thefaceplate comprises an opening for an electrical outlet (e.g. the powerreceptacle wireless access point device is applied over an existingoutlet), the faceplate may be configured to screw into the outlet and/orbox, or separate to the wall. The circuitry within the power receptaclewireless access point (AP) device in this example may be configured tofit around the existing outlet, including recessing into the power boxand/or extending out of the wall away from the outlet.

In addition to variations in which the power receptacle wireless accesspoint (AP) adapter device is configured to connect into a wall, floor orceiling (e.g., in a standard power box), also described herein are powerreceptacle wireless access point devices in which the devices areconfigured as power strips that may plug into an existing outlet, orplug adapters/extenders (e.g., 3 prong to 2 prong plug adapters, etc.).For example, a power receptacle wireless access point (AP) device mayinclude: a wall power input configured to connect to a power linecomprising a plug configured to insert into a wall outlet; a power linecommunication (PLC) circuit, the PLC circuit configured to receive datafrom and transmit data on a power line connected to the wall powerinput; at least one antenna; a wireless AP circuit connected to the PLCcircuit, the wireless AP configured to receive data from the PLC circuitand to wirelessly transmit the data using the at least one antenna, andfurther configured to receive wireless data on the at least one antennaand to transmit the received data to the PLC circuit. The powerreceptacle wireless access point device may also include a plurality ofelectrical power outlets configured to receive electrical power from thepower line and provide electrical power to a plug connected any of theelectrical power outlets.

Also described herein are specific examples of networks of varioussensors and controllers (nodes) that may form a ‘smart’ wirelesslyconnected habitable space, including or configured as thermostats ortemperature controllers.

For example, described herein are networked digital thermostats thatmonitor one or more network-accessible sensors to control a heating andair-conditioning (HVAC) system. During operation, the digital thermostatcan select a zone to monitor, and obtains temperature measurements fromone or more network-accessible temperature sensors associated with theselected zone. The digital thermostat then adjusts the zone'stemperature based on the obtained temperature measurements.

In some example, the devices/systems described herein include node thatis configured to sense and/or control power at an electrical outlet. Forexample, a system may include a networked power outlet device that canmonitor an energy output from an outlet port. During operation, thepower outlet device can select an outlet port to monitor, and measuresenergy output from the port. The system also analyzes triggeringconditions for one or more rules to identify a rule triggered by theoutlet port's energy output, and performs the identified rule's actiondescription.

As mentioned above, in some variations, the system includes a node thatmonitors/controls a light switch or other power switch. For example, anyof the variations described herein may include a networked light-dimmerdevice that comprises a touch-screen interface that accepts touch-screengestures as input for controlling one or more light fixtures. Duringoperation, the light-dimmer device can determine a gesture performed bya user on the touch-screen interface, and determines a target outputlighting level based on the gesture. The light-dimmer device thenconfigures an energy level for a target light fixture based on thetarget output lighting level.

Also described herein are integrated power line communication (PLC)adapter/data power cable devices. Any of these devices may generallyinclude PLC adapters that also provide cabling and connection directlyto a specific networking device. The PLC adapter may be integral withthe cable, and may be positioned near the proximal end of thecable/cord, opposite the end that plugs into an electrical outlet. Forexample, a PLC adapter/data power cable device may include: a wall powerplug configured to connect to wall power outlet; an elongate power cordcoupled to the wall power plug at a distal end of the elongate powercord; an adapter housing coupled to the elongate power cord near aproximal end of the elongate power cord; a PLC circuit within theadapter housing, the PLC circuit configured to receive data from andtransmit data on a power line connected to the wall power plug; a powerconnector at the proximal end of the device, the power connectorconfigured to connect to a power inlet of a networking device; and anEthernet connector coupled to the adapter and connected to the PLCcircuit to transmit and receive the data.

In some variations, the integrated power line communication (PLC)adapter/data power cable device may include: an elongate length of powercord; a plug at the distal end of the elongate length of power cord; anadapter housing integrated into the cabling within 24 inches of theproximal end of the elongate length of power cord; a PCL circuit withinthe adapter housing comprising a modem configured to transmit andreceive a data signal on a power signal; an Ethernet connector coupledto the adapter housing and connected to the PLC circuit to transmit andreceived the data signal; and a power connector extending from theproximal end of the device and configured to mate with a power port on anetworking device.

For example, an adapter housing may be integrally mounted to theelongate power cord. The adapter housing may be within 24 inches (e.g.,within 20 inches, 18 inches, 16 inches, 14 inches, 12 inches, 11 inches,10 inches, 9 inches, 8 inches, 7 inches, 6 inches, 5 inches, 4 inches, 3inches, 2 inches, 1 inch, etc.) of the proximal end of the elongatepower cord.

The Ethernet connector may include an Ethernet port on the adapterhousing. For example, the Ethernet connector may comprise an Ethernetcable extending from the adapter housing. The adapter housing mayfurther include an AC adapter circuit configured to convert AC wallpower received from the plug at the distal end of the elongate powercord into DC power at the power connector extending from the proximalend of the device.

Also described herein are methods to connect a networking device to apower line communication (PLC) network, e.g., using any of the devicesdescribed herein. For example a method of connecting a networking deviceto a power line communication (PLC) network may include: connecting aplug at a distal end of an integrated PLC adapter/data power cabledevice to a power outlet coupled to a line power; connecting a powerconnector extending from a proximal end of the integrated PLCadapter/data power cable device to a power port on a networking device;connecting an Ethernet cable in communication with a PLC circuit withinan adapter housing near a proximal end of the integrated PLCadapter/data power cable device to an Ethernet port on the networkingdevice; and transmitting signals encoded on the line power and decodedby the PLC circuit to the networking device through the Ethernet cable.

Connecting the plug may include connecting the plug to a wall outlet.Connecting the power connector may comprise plugging the proximal end ofthe integrated PLC adapter/data power cable device into the power portof the networking device.

Power may be supplied to the networking device using the same cord(integrated PLC adapter/data power cable), which may convert, in theadapter housing, the line power from AC to DC for supplying to thenetworking device through the power port of the networking device.

Connecting the Ethernet cable may include connecting a first end of theEthernet cable to an Ethernet port on the adapter housing and connectinga second end of the Ethernet cable to an Ethernet port on the networkingdevice.

Data may be transmitted in both directions (e.g., to/from the networkingdevice) using this method. For example, a method may include receivingsignals from the networking device through the Ethernet cable, encodingthe received signals and transmitting the signals on the line power.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity inthe claims that follow. A better understanding of the features andadvantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to thefollowing detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments,in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and theaccompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1A illustrates one example of a networked “smart” home including aplurality of nodes reporting to a digital hub, as described herein.

FIG. 1B is a variation of the system used in a home setting. FIG. 1B isa flowchart illustrating a method for FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C illustrates one variation of a digital hub configured to receivedata streams from multiple sensor nodes throughout a structure.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show one variation of a digital hub operating in athermostat mode.

FIGS. 2C and 2D show top and bottom views, respectively, of the digitalhub of FIGS. 2A and 2B.

FIGS. 2E and 2F illustrate an exemplary digital hub operating in athermostat mode including a user interface (UI). FIGS. 2E and 2F alsoillustrate a UI display for adjusting a thermostat temperature setting.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary digital hub operating as athermostat.

FIGS. 4A-4C are process flow charts illustrating methods for detectingsensing devices using a digital hub. FIG. 4A is a flow chartillustrating a method for detecting temperature-sensing devices of acomputer network. FIG. 4B is a flow chart illustrating a method fordetecting motion-sensing devices of a computer network. FIG. 4C is aflow chart illustrating a method for controlling a heating, ventilation,and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

FIGS. 5A-5G illustrate view of a node configured as a power outlet nodefor monitoring and/or controlling power through the outlet(s). FIG. 5Aillustrates a power outlet node. FIG. 5B illustrates a side view of anexemplary faceplate. FIG. 5C illustrates an exemplary power outlet node.FIG. 5D illustrates a side view of an exemplary faceplate. FIG. 5Eillustrates a variation of a power outlet node. FIG. 5F illustrates aside view of a faceplate. FIG. 5G illustrates a variation of a poweroutlet node.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary power outlet node.

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of an exemplary power outlet node.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method for processing ameasurement from a power outlet node.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method for initializing a poweroutlet node.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary light dimmer node.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an exemplary light dimmer node.

FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of an exemplary light dimmer node.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a method for processing a userinput for adjusting a brightness level.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating a method for automaticallyadjusting an operation mode to accommodate a light fixture.

FIGS. 15A-15C illustrate variations of nodes configured as an integratedsensor panel.

FIGS. 15D-15F illustrate variations of systems using an integratedsensor panel node.

FIG. 15G illustrates a functional block diagram according to FIGS.15A-15F.

FIGS. 15H-15K show exemplary displays for the wall-mounted interactivesensing and audio-visual nodes shown in FIGS. 15A-15C.

FIGS. 16A-16B illustrate a standard (prior art) power outlet andfaceplate.

FIGS. 16C-16F illustrate one variation of a power receptacle wirelessaccess point (AP) device (node).

FIGS. 16G-16J illustrate another variation of a power receptaclewireless access point (AP) device (node).

FIGS. 16K1 and 16L illustrate another variation of a power receptaclewireless access point (AP) device (node).

FIG. 16K2 illustrates the variation of FIGS. 16K1 and 16L installed onan existing electrical outlet.

FIG. 16M is another variation of a power receptacle wireless accesspoint (AP) device (node).

FIG. 16N is a block diagram for one variation of a power receptaclewireless access point (AP) device (node).

FIG. 16 o is a schematic of one variation of a PLC circuit, AP circuitand antenna for a power receptacle wireless access point (AP) device(node).

FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate variations of systems using powerreceptacle wireless access point (AP) devices.

FIGS. 17C-17E illustrate one variation of an antenna emitter (feed)portion of an antenna for RF transmission that may be connected to awireless AP circuit (which may also connect to the PLC circuit). Theantenna is configured to wirelessly transmit RF signals to/from thewireless AP circuit for transmission to/from the PLC circuit.

FIGS. 18A-18E illustrate variations of systems including one or moredistributed nodes, including power receptacle wireless access point (AP)device nodes, within different habitable spaces.

FIGS. 19A and 19B show one variation of a power receptacle wirelessaccess point (AP) device configured as an adapter.

FIG. 20A shows one variation of an integrated PLC adapter/data powercable connected to a network-enabled device (computer) providing bothpower and connection to a PLC network.

FIG. 20B shows another example of an integrated PLC adapter/data powercable connected to a network-enabled device (switch) providing bothpower and connection to a PLC network.

FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate top and side views, respectively of anotherexample of an integrated PLC adapter/data power cable.

FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate top views of additional examples ofintegrated PLC adapter/data power cables as described herein.

FIGS. 23A-23C illustrate views of an adapter region of integrated PLCadapter/data power cables as described herein.

FIG. 24 shows one variation of an integrated PLC adapter/data powercable connected to a power line and the front of a network-enableddevice, similar to FIG. 20B.

FIGS. 25A-25B show front and side views, respectively, of one variationof an integrated PLC power outlet.

FIG. 25C is another variation of a side view of an integrated PLC poweroutlet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, described herein are devices and systems for monitoring,controlling, and networking a habitable structure such as ahome/residence, office, laboratory, hotel, factory, commercial building,or the like. The system and devices described herein include a varietyof “nodes” which may act as either autonomous, networked, or slavedsensors and/or actuators for monitoring one (or preferably more)parameter and wirelessly communicating the parameter(s) to other nodesand/or a digital hub, and/or wirelessly receiving control instruction tocontrol one or more attached devices. A node may generally be mounted inor to a wall, ceiling or floor, for directly connecting to a power linein the structure. The node may be retrofitted into a power box and/orpower outlet, light switch, phone jack, or the like. In some variationsthe node may be configured to include or fit around/over a power outletand/or switch (e.g., light switch), or to replace an existing outletand/or switch. In some variations, the node may include a faceplate fora power box (e.g., light switch or outlet face place) and may beattached or mounted to the power box. Some of the nodes described hereinare surface-mounting but do not install (or require installation) into apower box or connect directly to a power line. For example, any of thesenodes may be configured to be battery powered and/or separately wired.

In general, the nodes described herein may include one or (morepreferably) a plurality of sensors for detecting and/or monitoring oneor more parameters. Parameters may include: temperature, motion,humidity, sound, smoke concentration, CO₂ concentration, NO₂concentration, CO concentration, electrical current (and/or electricalresistivity, voltage, etc.), light intensity, volatile organic compoundconcentration, and combustible gas concentration. Any of the nodesdescribed herein may generally include video camera (which may beincluded instead or in addition to a motion sensor), and/or audiodetector (microphone). In addition to these sensor inputs, any of thenodes described herein may also or alternatively include one or moreoutputs, including a speaker (or any other audio output), video(including touch screens or the like), LEDs, etc.

Any of the nodes described herein may also include one or more userinputs, such as switches, toggles, sliders, buttons, levers, or thelike. The user output and user input may be combined, e.g., atouchscreen.

In general, the nodes described herein may include one or more wirelesscommunication modules, for wirelessly sending and receiving information,including the sensor information/data and/or control information. Forexample, any of the devices described herein may be configured forwirelessly connecting via Wi-Fi (or Bluetooth, etc.). The wirelessmodule may include one or more antennas and associated control circuitryfor wirelessly communicating. In some variations the nodes describedherein include a power line communication (PLC) circuit configured toreceive data from and transmit data on a power line connected to thewall power input. A PLC circuit may be included in addition to orinstead of the wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi) communication module.

Any of the nodes described herein may be referred to as wall-mounted,interactive sensing and audio-visual nodes (or node devices). Such nodesmay generally include an outer surface that may be exposed to a room ofa habitable space. The outer surface may be the outer surface of afaceplate, e.g., configured to cover a power box, or an outer surface ofa housing that may be mounted to a wall (as used herein “wall” may referto any surface of a room, including floor and ceiling, unless thecontext specifies otherwise). For example, a node (e.g., wall-mounted,interactive sensing and audio-visual node), may include a faceplatehaving an outer surface, a camera module comprising a lens mounted inthe faceplate, a microphone module mounted to faceplate; a speakermodule mounted to the faceplate; at least one sensor module mounted onthe faceplate, the sensor module comprising one or more sensors selectedfrom: a smoke detector, a CO detector, a combustible gas sensor, atemperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a CO₂ detector, dust sensor; aNO₂ sensor, a formaldehyde sensor, and a volatile organic compound (VOC)sensor; a wireless module configured to wirelessly transmit and receivedata; a local controller configured to process information to and fromthe camera module, microphone module, and sensor module, wherein thelocal controller encodes and prioritizes information from each of thecamera module, microphone module, and sensor module for transmission onthe wireless module, and controls each of camera module, microphonemodule, and sensor module based on information received by the wirelesstransmitter and receiver; and a wall power input configured to connectto a power line and to distribute power from the power line to each ofthe camera module, microphone module, sensor module, wireless module andlocal controller. As mentioned, the faceplate may be configured to bemounted to a wall so that the outer surface of the faceplate faces awayfrom the wall.

In general, the nodes described herein may be used as part of a smarthome, and may communicate with a digital hub that can receive andanalyze the multiple types of data streams and provide controlinformation among the nodes and/or to a user or third party based on thedata streams. The different types of data streams may include lighting(light intensity), video (wide-angle video monitoring, motion sensing,etc.), sound (audio, ultrasound, etc.), air quality (smoke, CO2, NO2,CO, etc.) or the like. In general, the hub, which may be referred to asa digital hub, receives data streams from each of the nodes and mayprocess the data streams to determine one or more parameters. Inparticular, the devices described herein may combine information from aplurality of data streams to derive information. The derived informationand/or the data stream information from the sensors may be monitored andmay trigger one or more actions. In general, the nodes typicallytransmit both the information from the individual sensor(s) as well asidentifying (e.g., location) information. The hub may include a map ofthe identifying information indicating the spatial relationship betweenvarious nodes (zones, regions, rooms, etc.).

The digital hub may generally reside within the structure beingmonitored, and may communicate with one or more outside devices (e.g.,cloud computing). In some variations the hub is a virtual hub thatresides off-site (e.g., in a cloud computing environment). In general,any of the nodes described herein may be securely networked with the hub(e.g., registered); the network may be closed, encrypted, secured, orthe like.

In general, the digital hub may be accessed by a user (e.g., homeowner,etc.) either locally (at the hub) where a physical digital hub ispresent, or remotely (e.g., via a laptop, phone, pad, desktop computer,etc.). The digital hub may be programmable or controllable, and mayinclude software/firmware/hardware (or any combination thereof) thatallows a user to access and control the digital hub, including providingrules or instructions to the hub. In some variations the hub may bepre-set with a predefined set of rules so that a user does not need toprogram the device but may have the option to customize the device. Forexample, in some variations the hub may be adapted to operate as (amongother things) a smart thermostat that is configured to maintain thetemperature within a habitable structure within desired ranges. Thetemperature ranges and energy efficiency settings may be preset tooptimize comfort and energy efficiency, and may include derivinghabitation in certain room regions based on one or more additional datastreams (in addition to temperature and/or humidity data streams), suchas light sensors, noise and/or motion (video) sensors, etc.

For example, a digital hub device for communicating with and processingdata from a plurality of sensing and audio-visual nodes distributedthroughout a habitable structure may generally include a processor thatis programmed to: receive data from the plurality of sensing andaudiovisual nodes distributed throughout the habitable structure; parsethe received data into a plurality of data streams, wherein each datastream corresponds to a pre-defined parameter and includes data relatedto that parameter, wherein data within each data stream is associatedwith a location relative to the habitable structure; monitor theplurality of data streams to determine if one or more parameter valuesfrom one or more of the data streams meets a triggering condition forapplying a rule; and apply the rule when the triggering condition ismet.

FIG. 1A and illustrates one example of a smart home, that is networkedto allow monitoring, control and automation. In FIG. 1A, the system isshown used in a home setting. As mentioned, it may be used in anyhabitable structure (or multiple structures). In this example, a digitalhub 1908 provides central control to deployed devices. Deployed devicescan access the nodes, including environmental controls, e.g. lighting1912, heating, air conditioning, thermostats 1920, hot water heaters,and gas detectors 1902. The deployed devices may monitor usage of theenvironmental controls, e.g. energy consumption or time. Deployed nodedevices may include multi-sensory node devices 1904, power outlets 1906,window sensors 1918, automated locks 1916, doorbells 1914, and the like.The user may access the digital hub 1908, (which may include a userdisplay) either locally or remotely, through smartphones, tablets, andcomputers.

In another variation, each room may include a node having a light sensoror integrated sensor panel connected into the established network. Thedigital hub may receive the light sensor signal (and any additionalsensor data) as a data stream that includes information identifying thesource (node) of the data, and may adjust the environmental parametersbased on the light sensor signal. Rather than lights being turned on ata set time, as in typical security scenarios, the lights are turned ifthere is insufficient lighting—a more realistic homeowner in residencescenario. The hub may also include processing to determine occupancy ofthe room, e.g., based on extrapolating from the data stream (e.g.,motion sensing, infrared camera, sound, etc.) and may adjust lightingbased on the occupancy as well.

Any of the nodes incorporated as part of the network forming the smarthome may include one or more actuator for controlling a device connectedto or through the node. For example, when the nodes is a poweroutlet/light switch, the power supplied by the outlet/switch may beregulated by commands provided from the node. This may allow control ofremote device. Alternatively a device (e.g., stereo, computer,television, etc.) may be directly connected as a node and my wirelesslyconnect to the hub.

For example, devices requiring adult supervision are inserted into theaccess points. These devices include but are not limited to computers,stereos, televisions, etc. Remotely from a smartphone, a parent canlimit access to media devices or adjust the sound level. Alternatively,the digital hub may be programmed to initialize the household devices ina desired order in the event of a power disruption or to keep off linedevices sensitive to electrical spikes until the user has returned home.

In another variation, node devices may be registered to the cloud andcan be accessed, monitor, and/or controlled through the cloud. As shownin FIG. 1B, in step 1902, the device requests control of the networkthrough the cloud. In step 1904, the device receives permission. In step1906, it is determined if any application or application updates arerequired. If yes, in step 1908, the device acquires any neededapplication updates. In step 1910, status updates of devices on thenetwork are requested and received. In step 1912, commands based on thestatus updates are issued. The commands may be user initiated.

FIG. 1C shows one example of a digital hub that may be used. In thisexample, the digital hub includes a processor within the housing 1950enclosing the device. An outer surface (in this example, the uppersurface) of the hub includes a screen (touchscreen 1954) that can beused to display and/or control the operation of the hub locally.Internally, the hub also typically includes a Wi-Fi transmitter/receiver(including antenna 1953) for sending/receiving information to thevarious nodes connected to the device. The hub shown in FIG. 1C ismodular, and may include a docking region 1959 on the bottom forconnecting to one or more additional modules, including data storagemodules 1955. The data storage modules in this example may stack withthe rest of the hub, and interface therewith.

In general, the hub may include a memory (which may be expandable by theaddition of the data storage module) for storing data (e.g., historicaldata) from the nodes or for including the command structures (e.g.,rules) applied when monitoring the data streams received from the nodes.The module may be self-contained, and may also be configured tocommunicate with one or more remote processors.

In another variation, the node devices may be configured in adistributed computing fashion such that there is not a single primarycontroller. The devices cooperate with each other to serve as afunctional unit. Each new device added to the system may negotiateamongst the devices. The tasks are completed in a distributed computingapproach.

Example Digital Thermostat

In one example, the smart home systems described herein may beconfigured as a digital thermostat, or may include the functionality ofa digital thermostat. For example, FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplarydigital thermostat 100. In this example, the digital hub is configuredto include functionality as a digital thermostat. Digital hub(thermostat) 100 can include a front face 102, a cover 104, andcapacitive-touch display 106. Front face 102 can be manufactured of aplastic or glass material, to have a black semi-transparent surface witha glossy finish. Cover 104 can be manufactured of a metallic material(e.g., aluminum) with an argent color. A front-facing surface of cover104 (e.g., a surface parallel to front face 102) can be manufactured tohave a glossy finish, and a side-facing surface of cover 104 can bemanufactured to have a textured finish.

In general, the digital hub 100 shown may be adapted to display on thelocal hub the thermostat information, as illustrate (e.g., localtemperature, regional/zone temperatures, humidity, etc.). The digitalhub typically communicates with a plurality of different nodes locatedthroughout the habitable structure, including in different rooms. Thesenodes may typically include a sensor for sensing temperature, humidity,and the like as well as additional parameters (forming additional datastreams that are linked to the placement location of the node).

Returning to FIG. 2A, the capacitive-touch display 106 can displayinformation to a user, and can include a matrix of capacitive-touchsensors for receiving input from a user. The capacitive-touch sensor candetect an increase in capacitance on the surface of display 102 when auser touches the touch-sensitive sensor. Each capacitive-touch sensormay generate an analog voltage which corresponds to the amount ofcapacitance that was detected on the surface of display 106 over thesensor.

Digital hub (thermostat) 100 can detect a user input by analyzinginformation obtained from capacitive-touch display 106. The user inputcan include any gestures made by the user by touching and/or dragging afinger or stylus on capacitive-touch display 106. The gestures caninclude a “tap” gesture on a portion of capacitive-touch display 106(e.g., a touch event to select a display item), and a “swipe” gesturethat moves along a surface path of capacitive-touch display 106 (e.g., adrag event to scroll a display item).

A Digital hub 100 can also include a proximity sensor to detect when theuser or the user's hand is within a close proximity of capacitive-touchdisplay 106, and generates an analog signal based on the proximity ofthe detected object to the proximity sensor. For example, the proximitysensor can include an infrared proximity sensor, which emits an infraredsignal from an infrared emitter, and generates the analog signal basedon an amount of infrared light detected by an infrared detector (e.g.,infrared light that reflected off the user's hand).

In some embodiments, digital hub 100 can include a standby mode whilethe user is not immediately in front of digital hub 100. For example,the user interface presented in the stand-by mode may benon-interactive, and displays environmental information and statusinformation for the HVAC system. This user interface can be optimized toallow the user to view the displayed information from a distance. Then,when digital hub 100 detects a user's proximity to front face 102,digital hub 100 can transition into an interactive mode that presentsinteractive user-interface elements to the local user. Theuser-interface elements can allow the user to adjust the targettemperature range, a fan setting, or any other configuration settingsfor the HVAC system. In some other embodiments, digital hub 100 can dimor turn off display 106 while in standby mode. Then, when digital hub100 detects a user's proximity, digital hub 100 can turn on display 106for the local user.

FIG. 2C illustrates a top surface 150 of an exemplary digital hub inaccordance with this example. Specifically, top surface 150 can bemanufactured of a metallic material (e.g., aluminum) or a plasticmaterial to have a textured metallic finish with an argent color. Topsurface 150 can include a power button 152, manufactured of a plasticmaterial to have an argent color. Reset button 152 can have a gray powersymbol printed or engraved on a top surface.

A digital hub can include an on-screen power button. For example,display 106 of digital hub 100 (FIG. 2A) can display an interactiveuser-interface element that allows the user to toggle between an “off”state, an “auto” state, and a “manual” state. The “off” state turns offthe digital hub, or places the digital hub on standby. When operating asa thermostat, the “manual” state can hold a zone's temperature at acurrent temperature setting. The “auto” state can run a schedule orprogram to adjust a zone's temperature according to the schedule orprogram. The program can, for example, change a zone's temperature basedon the schedule, as well as other dynamic information. The dynamicinformation can include information from one or more node sensors, suchas a motion sensor, a proximity sensor, a humidity sensor, a temperaturesensor, and/or from other sensors. A user can create the program byspecifying a set of rules that includes an action description, andincludes conditions for executing the rule's action descriptions.

FIG. 2D illustrates a bottom surface 170 of an exemplary digital hub.Specifically, bottom surface 170 can be manufactured of a metallicmaterial (e.g., aluminum) or a plastic material to have a texturedmetallic finish with an argent color. Bottom surface 170 can include areset button 172 and a sensor 174. A user can press and hold resetbutton 172 for a predetermined time interval (e.g., 10 seconds) to causethe digital hub to reboot or to re-install a default firmware image.Sensor 174 can include, for example, a temperature sensor, a humiditysensor, a microphone, or any other sensor now known or later developed.Thus, any of the digital hubs described herein may also include anintegrated node (having sensors, etc.).

In general, the digital hub and various nodes that communicate with thehub may be connected securely. This connection may be performed by usingmanual or in some examples, automatic or semi-automatic, authentication.

For example, in some embodiments, the digital hub (and/or nodes) caninclude an optical code 176 and a secret number 178 printed over aportion of the digital hub's body. For example, optical code 176 andsecret number 178 can be printed over a portion of a bottom surface ofthe digital hub. The digital hub can use a built-in wireless device tohost a closed Wi-Fi network, which the user can use to interface apersonal computing device (e.g., a smartphone) to the digital hub. Theuser can gain access to the closed Wi-Fi network by entering secretnumber 176 as a secret key.

As another example, the digital hub can host an open Wi-Fi network,which the user can use to establish a network connection between hispersonal computing device and the digital hub. Alternatively, thedigital hub can use any wireless technology to establish a peer-to-peernetwork connection with the personal computing device, such as nearfield communication (NFC) or Bluetooth Low Energy. The user can run anapplication on his personal computing device to send and/or receive datato/from the digital hub over the network connection. The user can scanoptical code 176 using an image sensor on his personal computing device,and the device signs the data sent to the digital hub using informationencoded in optical code 176 (e.g., secret number 178). The applicationcan use optical code 176 to generate a one-way secure hash value that isused to sign data. Alternatively, the application can use optical code176 during a challenge-response handshake protocol with the digital hubthat establishes a secure connection with the digital hub. During thishandshake protocol, the application and the digital hub can exchangedigital signatures that are then used to sign any data transferredbetween the two devices.

In some embodiments, a plurality of unprovisioned node devices (e.g.,power outlets, light dimmers, thermostats, etc., configured as nodes asdescribed herein) can each host an unsecured Wi-Fi network with a commonService Set Identification (SSID). The user can use a provisioningapplication on the user's personal computing device to provisionindividual devices via the common SSID. Each time the applicationdetects a Wi-Fi network at the common SSID, the application canprovision the first device it connects to using this SSID. Theapplication can provision the device automatically (e.g., using anoptical code and secret key pair which the user has previously scanned),or can interact with the user to present a sequence ofdevice-provisioning steps. After the digital hub becomes provisioned,the digital hub may bring down its Wi-Fi network, which can allow theapplication to connect with any other unprovisioned node device via thecommon SSID. The application will not detect a Wi-Fi network with thecommon SSID if no unprovisioned devices remain.

In some embodiments, an access point can host an additional Wi-Finetwork with an SSID that is dedicated for device provisioning. Eachdevice can be pre-configured to connect to the device-provisioning Wi-Finetwork by default by searching for the device-provisioning SSID. Theapplication can detect an unprovisioned device by joining thisdevice-provisioning SSID, or by querying the access point whileconnected to the main Wi-Fi network (via a different SSID). Whileprovisioning the digital hub, the application can configure the digitalhub to connect to the main Wi-Fi network. After the digital hub becomesprovisioned, the digital hub will disconnect from thedevice-provisioning Wi-Fi network, and connects to the main Wi-Finetwork.

Alternatively, when the digital hub joins the device-provisioning Wi-Finetwork of the access point, the access point can redirect the networkconnection for the digital hub to a device-provisioning server that isin charge of provisioning node devices into the network. Thedevice-provisioning server can store pairs of optical codes and secretkeys for each node device that is to be provisioned or has beenprovisioned, and uses this information to provision the digital hub. Ifthe server does not have an optical code and secret key stored for thedigital hub, the device-provisioning server can notify a systemadministrator that an unrecognized device has been detected, andrequests the administrator to scan optical code 176 and secret key 178from the digital hub into the system.

FIG. 2B illustrates a user interface (UI) display 200 of a digital hubwhen operating as a thermostat. UI display 200 can include environmentalinformation for a zone of an HVAC system, and can include statusinformation for the HVAC system. The environmental information caninclude a time and date 202, a zone temperature 204, and a zone humiditylevel 206. The status information can include a zone 210 that indicatesan HVAC zone that is being monitored and controlled via UI display 200.The status information can also include a system mode 212 (e.g., “auto”or “manual”), an HVAC mode 214 (e.g., “heating” or “cooling”), a fanmode 216 (e.g., “auto,” “on,” or “off”), and an auxiliary heat indicator218.

In some embodiments, when a user approaches the digital hub or taps ondisplay 200, the digital hub can present the user with an alternative UIthat allows the user to control one or more HVAC parameters. Forexample, the digital hub can present one or more additional UI elementsthat allow the user to change one or more HVAC settings.

FIG. 2E illustrates one example of a configurable UI display 230 of adigital hub operating as a thermostat. UI display 230 can includeenvironmental information 232, and a target temperature 234.Environmental information 232 can indicate, for example, a currenttemperature and a current humidity of an HVAC zone. If the currenttemperature is above (or below) target temperature 234 by apredetermined threshold, the digital hub can activate an air conditioner(or heater) to lower (or raise) the temperature to target temperature234. Also, in some embodiments, if the current humidity is above apredetermined target humidity, the digital hub can activate the airconditioner to lower the zone's humidity to below the target humidity.

UI display 230 can also include a temperature range 232, which the usercan interact with to change the temperature. For example, the user caneither drag a temperature slider 234 along temperate range 232, or cantap on a portion of temperature range 232 that indicates a desiredtemperature. In some embodiments, when the user taps and holds on aportion of temperature range 232, the digital hub updates UI display 230to move temperature slider 234 to the selected portion of temperaturerange 232. Then, while holding a finger on temperature range 232, theuser can fine-tune the selected temperature by dragging his fingeracross temperature range 234. As the user drags his finger, the digitalhub updates UI display 230 to move temperature slider 234 below theuser's finger and along temperature range 232.

UI display 230 can also include other interactive UI elements. Forexample, UI display 230 can include a fan-controlling icon, which theuser can tap on to select a desired state for the fan. The possiblestates can include “on,” “off,” and “auto.” UI display 230 can alsoinclude a screen indicator 242 that informs the user when the user cannavigate to one or more other UI “screens” or “pages.” Screen indicator242 can display, for example, a dot for each “screen” that the user cannavigate to. A brightest dot (e.g., a white dot) can indicate whichscreen is currently being presented to the user, and other dimmer dots(e.g., a grey dot) indicate other pages to which the user can navigate.A horizontal row of dots indicates that the user can use ahorizontal-swipe gesture to navigate between screens, and a vertical rowof dots (not shown) indicates that the user can use a vertical-swipegesture to navigate between screens. The other screens can presentadvanced configuration options to the user, or can present apps that theuser has installed into the digital hub.

FIG. 2F is another example a UI display 260 for adjusting a thermostattemperature setting. Specifically, UI display 260 can include a scrollwheel 262 that a user can “scroll” by using a vertical “swipe” gestureover scroll wheel 262. A center portion 268 of scroll wheel 262 displaysa target temperature, an upper portion 270 of scroll wheel 262 displaystemperatures above the current target temperature, and a lower portion272 of scroll wheel 262 displays temperatures below the current targettemperature. In some embodiments, the temperatures displayed withincenter portion 268 are larger than the temperatures displayed withinupper portion 270 and lower portion 272.

In some embodiments, the digital hub can display scroll wheel 268 over adominant portion of UI display 270 in response to a user tapping on,hold a finger over, or performing a vertical swipe gesture over a UIelement that displays the current target temperature (e.g., UI element234 of FIG. 2B). Also, as the user adjusts the target temperature, thedigital hub can adjust the placement of a temperature slider 264 so thattemperature slider 264 is centered on a portion of a temperature range266 that corresponds to the target temperature.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary digital hub 300.Digital hub 300 can include terminals 316 that can be coupled to afurnace (either by wired connection, as shown, or wirelessly) and/or anair-conditioning unit to control an HVAC system. Digital hub 300 canalso include a flash storage device 306 that stores data and softwareinstructions for operating the digital hub, as well as a processing unit302 and a memory device 304 for executing the instructions. In someembodiments, the instructions can include an operating system thatcontrols the HVAC system, and can also execute one or more applicationsinstalled by the use.

Digital hub 300 can also include one or more modules for communicatingwith external node devices. For example, digital hub 300 can includecommunication modules 308, which can include an Ethernet module coupledto an Ethernet port, and/or can include or be coupled to a wirelessmodule 310 (e.g., a Wi-Fi module, or a Bluetooth module). Digital hub300 can also include a serial port 312 (e.g., an RS-232 jack for a UARTport), which can be coupled to an external peripheral device, and can beused by processing unit 302 to monitor and/or control the peripheraldevice. The peripheral device can include an appliance (e.g., an HVACsystem), or any electronic or computing device that can communicate viaserial port 312.

Digital hub 300 can also include a user-interface device 318 foraccepting input from a user. Specifically, user-interface device 318includes a proximity sensor 320 that detects a user's proximity to thedigital hub, and includes a touch-screen display 322 that displays auser interface to a user. Touch-screen display 322 can also detect oneor more screen portions touched by the user. For example, touch-screendisplay 322 can include a capacitive-touch screen, a resistive-touchscreen, or any other touch screen technology now known or laterdeveloped.

Microcontroller 314 can monitor proximity sensor 320 to detect when theuser is in front of touch-screen display 322, at which pointmicrocontroller 314 can turn on touch-screen display 322. Also, whenmicrocontroller 314 detects a user's presence, processing unit 302 canpresent an interactive user interface on touch-screen display 322 forthe user. Microcontroller 314 can also monitor touch-screen display 322to detect touch-screen gestures from the user. Processing unit 302 canprocess the gestures that interact with the user interface.

In some embodiments, the digital hub can discover nodes, including nodeshaving digital thermometers and motion sensors within a computernetwork. These digital thermometers and motion sensors can be deployedacross one or more HVAC zones, which the digital hub can use to controlthe HVAC system for each of these zones.

Digital hub 300 can include one or more sensors 324, such as atemperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an ambient-light sensor, a motionsensor, a proximity sensor, or any other sensor device now known orlater developed. In some embodiments, processing unit 302 can interfacewith sensors 324 via a serial interface, such as an Inter-IntegratedCircuit (I2C) interface or a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) bus.

Digital hub 300 can also include a universal serial bus (USB) port 326(e.g., via a micro-USB connector), which can be used to performdiagnostics on digital hub 300, to load firmware to digital hub 300, orto provision digital hub 300. A user can perform diagnostics, forexample, by interfacing a personal computing device (e.g., laptop) todigital hub 300 via USB port 326, and running diagnostics software onthe personal computing device. The diagnostics software can aggregateinformation from digital hub 300, can analyze this information topresent configuration information to the user, and to detect or diagnoseany malfunctions.

The user can provision digital hub 300 using USB port 326, for example,by attaching a USB drive (e.g., a flash drive) into USB port 326, suchthat this USB drive contains configuration and/or provisioningparameters (e.g., Wi-Fi parameters) for digital hub 300. When digitalhub 300 detects configuration information in the USB drive, digital hub300 can display a confirmation prompt on user-interface device 318,which asks the user to confirm that he wishes to load the configurationinformation from the USB drive. If the user has set an administratorpassword, digital hub 300 can prompt the user to enter his passwordbefore loading the configuration information. The user can also interactwith power outlet 600 via a web page hosted by power outlet 600, or viaa pre-installed application on a personal computing device thatinterfaces with power outlet 600.

FIG. 4A presents a flow chart illustrating a method for detectingtemperature-sensing devices of a computer network. During operation, thedigital hub can scan a computer network to detect one or moretemperature-sensing devices (operation 402). These temperature-sensingdevices can include, for example, a digital thermometer coupled to anetwork-accessible interfacing device. The digital hub then determineswhether a temperature-sensing device was discovered (operation 404).

In some variations, the hub may detect nodes and data streams. Forexample, if a temperature-sensing device has been discovered, thedigital hub may present the temperature-sensing device to a user(operation 406), and can receive a zone indication from the user for thetemperature-sensing device (operation 408). The system then assigns thetemperature-sensing device to the user-indicated zone (operation 410),and returns to operation 304 to search for other temperature-sensingdevices.

The digital hubs described herein may be operated in a variety of modes,to control a variety of devices through the associated nodes or otherassociated device (e.g., HVAC, home appliances, etc.). In general, thehub may receive information (sensor data) as data streams from specifiedlocations/devices (nodes) and may monitor the data streams and, inparticular, combinations of data streams, to trigger one or moreactions.

For example, FIG. 4B presents a flow chart illustrating a method fordetecting motion-sensing devices of a computer network. Duringoperation, the digital hub can scan a computer network to detect one ormore motion-sensing devices (operation 432). These motion-sensingdevices can include, for example, a proximity sensor or a motion sensorcoupled to a network-accessible interfacing device.

If the digital hub discovers a motion-sensing device (operation 434),the digital hub presents the motion-sensing device to a user (operation436). The digital hub can receive a zone indication from the user forthe motion-sensing device (operation 438), and in response, assigns themotion-sensing device to the user-indicated zone (operation 440). Thesystem can return to operation 334 to search for other motion-sensingdevices.

Returning to the example of operating the digital hub as (at least inpart) a digital thermostat, FIG. 4C presents a flow chart illustrating amethod for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning(HVAC) system. During operation, the digital hub can select an HVAC zoneto control (operation 462), and determines a target temperature rangefor the selected zone (operation 464). In some embodiments, the digitalthermometer can determine the target temperature range by determiningwhether the HVAC zone is vacant. For example, the digital thermometercan periodically monitor motion sensors deployed within the zone, andcan label the HVAC zone as “vacant” when motion has not been detectedfor more than a predetermined threshold time interval. The digitalthermometer can select the target temperature range that corresponds towhether the HVAC zone is occupied or vacant.

The digital hub then obtains a temperature reading from one or morethermometers in the selected zone (operation 466), and determineswhether the zone's temperature is within the target temperature range(operation 468). If the zone's temperature is below the targettemperature range, the digital hub can activate a heating unit thatcorresponds to the HVAC zone to raise the zone's temperature to withinthe target range (operation 470). On the other hand, if the zone'stemperature is above the target temperature range, the digital hub canactivate an air-conditioning unit that corresponds to the HVAC zone tolower the zone's temperature to within the target range (operation 470).

Although the digital hub illustrated in the examples and figuresdescribed above is configured as a digital thermostat, the digital hubdescribed herein may be configured to control a large number and varietyof operations in the home, allowing user control and automation. Forexample, a digital hub may be configured to control lighting, either toautomatically regulate on/off and lighting levels within the habitablestructure, or to maximize energy efficiency of lighting. In somevariations the digital hub may be configured to generally optimizeenergy efficiency within the structure. In any of these variations, thedigital hub may track occupancy by analyzing a plurality of sensors todeduce occupancy and/or user habits. For example, occupancy information(actual and predicted occupancy of various rooms within a structure) toregulate lighting, electrical power, audio equipment, and HVAC. Theoccupancy tracking possible may be quite sophisticated, in part due tocombining of different data streams, including optical (e.g., camera, IRcamera/sensors, etc.), microphone (audio), motion (direct motion sensor,motion sensing derived from camera), etc.

Any of the systems described herein may generally use one or more nodes,as discussed above. Examples of some types of nodes, includingwall-mounted, interactive sensing and audio-visual node devices for anetworked living/working space are described herein.

For example, in FIG. 5A illustrates a node configured as a power outlet.In this example, the nodes device is configured as a power outlet 500that has a black socket cover 502 that provides access to two sockets504.1 and 504.2. Socket cover 502 may be manufactured of a plasticmaterial to have a glossy finish. Also, power outlet 500 can include alight-emitting diode (LED) indicator 506, which can include two or moreLEDs. For example, socket cover 502 may be semi-transparent blackplastic to reveal light emitted by the LEDs behind socket cover 502,without revealing the LEDs when they are not emitting light. In someembodiments, LED indicator 506 can include a red LED and a blue LED.When both LEDs are on, socket cover 502 reveals a purple color. Whenonly the red or blue LED is on, socket cover 502 reveals a red or bluecolor, respectively. On the other hand, when no LED is on, socket cover502 does not reveal the LEDs.

Power outlet 500 also includes a metallic faceplate 508. In someembodiments, faceplate 508 may be manufactured of aluminum, with a darkanodized finish.

FIG. 5B illustrates a side view of an exemplary faceplate 510.Specifically, faceplate 510 has a small bevel along a perimeter of thefront face, and may be manufactured of aluminum with a dark anodizedfinish.

FIG. 5C illustrates an exemplary power outlet 520. Specifically, poweroutlet 520 includes a metallic faceplate 508 with a curved edge. In someembodiments, faceplate 508 may be manufactured of aluminum, with a darkanodized finish.

FIG. 5D illustrates a side view of an exemplary faceplate 530.Specifically, faceplate 530 includes a curved edge. Faceplate 530 may bemanufactured of aluminum, with a dark anodized finish.

FIG. 5E illustrates an exemplary power outlet. Specifically, poweroutlet 520 includes a light-colored metallic faceplate 508 with abeveled edge. In some embodiments, faceplate 508 may be manufactured ofaluminum, with a light-colored anodized finish.

FIG. 5F illustrates a side view of an exemplary faceplate 550.Specifically, faceplate 550 has a small bevel along a perimeter of thefront face, and may be manufactured of aluminum with a light-coloredanodized finish.

FIG. 5G illustrates an exemplary power outlet. Specifically, poweroutlet 560 can include a white socket cover 562, which may bemanufactured of a plastic material to have a glossy finish. Socket cover562 may be semi-transparent white plastic to reveal light emitted byLEDs behind the socket cover (e.g., emitted light 564), withoutrevealing the LEDs when they are not emitting light.

The node device illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5G may also include one or moresensors (not visible in FIG. 5A, including a power (e.g., current,voltage, etc.) sensor for sensing the load applied on one or bothoutlets. This power outlet node device may then communicate thisinformation (and receive control information), including wirelesslycommunicate it to a node, as described.

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary power outlet 600.Power outlet 600 can include a flash storage device 606 that stores dataand software instructions for operating power outlet 600, as well as aprocessing unit 602 and a memory device 604 for executing theinstructions. Power outlet node 600 can include two power-output modules614.1 and 614.2, and each power-output module 614 can include apower-output controller 616 (e.g., a Prolific PL7221 integrated circuit(IC) device), a relay 618, and a power outlet 620. Each relay 618.1 and618.2 can be controlled individually, to enable or disable power to eachof power outlets 620.1 and 620.2 independent of the other. Also, each ofpower outlets 620.1 and 620.2 can output up to 240 V. Processing unit602 can enable or disable power transmitted via a power outlet 620 bycontrolling the corresponding power-output controller 616 via digitalinterface pins or via a serial bus, at which point power-outputcontroller 616 can generate an electrical signal for opening or closingrelay 618 to enable or disable the power transmission to power outlet620.

Processing unit 602 can configure power-output controller 616 to monitoror sample physical quantities of the power signal on a power outlet 620,and can obtain the sampled value via the digital interface pins or theserial bus. The sampled physical quantities can include an electriccurrent, an electric voltage, a real power, a reactive power, anapparent power, and/or other physical quantities of a power signal.Hence, processing unit 602 can use power-output controllers 616.1 and616.2 to perform energy monitoring, or to perform analyticscomputations. The analytics computations can be performed to investigatean energy cost over time for devices attached to power outlet 620.1 or620.2, or to investigate an energy usage for a given region (e.g., abedroom) or for a given system (e.g., a home-theater system, or an HVACsystem).

As mentioned, in some embodiments, power outlet node 600 can include acurrent-regulating device (e.g., a TRIAC device, not shown) to controlan amount of power that is provided to an external device. Power-outputcontroller 616 can provide a trigger pulse to the current-regulatingdevice for a determinable time interval, when the power signal's phasereaches a certain phase angle, to provide a desired power level to theexternal device. When power outlet 620 is coupled to a light fixture,for example, power-output controller 616 can control thecurrent-regulating device as a means to adjust the light fixture'sbrightness level. As another example, when power outlet 620 is coupledto an induction motor (e.g., a ventilation fan), power-output controller616 can control the current-regulating device as a means to adjust therotational speed of the motor's shaft (e.g., the fan's blades).

Power outlet node 600 can also include a serial port 608, such as for aUART serial interface, an I2C serial interface, or any other serialinterface now known or later developed. For example, power outlet 600can implement a “dumb” power outlet that does not include a wirelesscommunication module. Power outlet 600 can interface with a “smart”power outlet via serial port 608 to receive commands, and/or tocommunicate measurements made by a power-output controller 616.

In some other embodiments, power outlet 600 implements a “smart” poweroutlet that includes one or more modules for communicating with externaldevices over a computer network. For example, power outlet 600 caninclude communication modules 610, which can include an Ethernet modulecoupled to an Ethernet port (not shown), and/or can include or becoupled to a wireless module 612 (e.g., a Wi-Fi module, or a Bluetoothmodule). Hence, power outlet 600 can receive “events” from one or moreremote devices, such as a temperature measurement, a motion-detectionevent, a central controller, etc. If the received events satisfy arule's condition, processing unit 602 can execute the rule's actiondescription to perform a desired action. The desired action can include,for example, measuring various parameters of a power-outlet module 614,and activating or disabling a power-outlet module 614. Power outlet 600can also use serial port 608 to interface with one or more “dumb” poweroutlets to forward events from a network controller.

Power outlet node 600 can also include a universal serial bus (USB) port622 (e.g., via a micro-USB connector), which can be used to performdiagnostics on power outlet 600, to load firmware to power outlet 600,or to provision power outlet 600. A user can perform diagnostics, forexample, by interfacing a personal computing device (e.g., laptop) topower outlet 600 via USB port 622, and running diagnostics software onthe personal computing device. The diagnostics software can aggregateinformation from power outlet 600, can analyze this information topresent configuration information to the user, and to detect or diagnoseany malfunctions.

The user can provision power outlet node 600 using USB port 622, forexample, by attaching a USB drive (e.g., a flash drive) into USB port622, such that this USB drive contains configuration and/or provisioningparameters (e.g., Wi-Fi parameters) for power outlet 600. The user caninteract with power outlet 600 via a web page hosted by power outlet600, or via a pre-installed application on a personal computing devicethat interfaces with power outlet 600. When power outlet 600 detectsconfiguration information in the USB drive, power outlet 600 can displaya confirmation prompt to the user via the web page or application, whichasks the user to confirm that he wishes to load the configurationinformation from the USB drive. If the user has set an administratorpassword, power outlet 600 can prompt the user to enter his passwordbefore loading the configuration information.

FIG. 7 illustrates an angled view of an exemplary power outlet node 700.

Specifically, power outlet 700 can include a serial interface 702 (e.g.,an 12C interface), LED indicators 704, a reset button 706, and an “INIT”button 708. Serial interface 702 can include a 4-pin micro connectorwith electrical insulation, which can be used to interface power outlet704 with a remote device (e.g., a power outlet or light dimmer).

When reset button 706 is depressed for a predetermined time interval(e.g., 10 seconds), a microprocessor of power outlet 700 initiates apower cycle. Also, when INIT button 708 is depressed for a predeterminedtime interval (e.g., 10 seconds), the microprocessor re-initializes thedevice to factory settings. In some embodiments, the microprocessor canbe reinitialized to factory settings by loading a factory-installedfirmware image into a flash storage device of power outlet 700.

LED indicators 704 can include two LED lights of different colors. Insome embodiments, LED indicators 704 can include a red LED and a blueLED, which can each be turned on or off programmatically by a processorof power outlet 700. Hence, LED indicators 704 can emit a red light, ablue light, a purple light (e.g., when both red and blue LEDs are on),or no light (e.g., when neither the red or blue LED is on). For example,the red LED can be turned on when the top (or bottom) power outlet isactivated, and the blue LED can be turned on when the bottom (or top)power outlet is activated. Hence, LED indicators 704 will be dark whennone of the power outlets are activated, or may emit a purple light whenboth of the power outlets are activated.

In some embodiments, the color emitted by LED indicators 704 can be usedto indicate a network connectivity, a network packet being transmitted,a network packet being received, a power source status, or any otheruser-defined condition or event. In some other embodiments, the coloremitted by LED indicators 704 can indicate that an electrical attributeof an outlet satisfies predetermined criteria (e.g., a power level orcurrent level is above or below a predetermined threshold). For example,the microprocessor may activate the red LED when the top outletsatisfies the predetermined criteria, and may activate the red LED whenthe bottom outlet satisfies the criteria.

A microprocessor of power outlet node 700 can also control LEDindicators 704 based on a user-defined rule, such as to implement anight light functionality by turning on both LEDs. In some embodiments,the user-defined “night light” rule can turn on both LEDs during apredetermined time of day. Alternatively, a networked interfacing devicecan include or be coupled to a light sensor that measures a room'sambient light level. When the room's ambient light drops below apredetermined level, the interfacing device can send an event to one ormore power outlets that are installed in the room via a computernetwork. This event can inform these power outlets that the room isdark. When a particular power outlet receives the event, the poweroutlet identifies a “night light” rule that is activated by this event,and can process the rule to turn on the power outlet's LEDs.

In some embodiments, power outlet node 700 can include an optical code710 and a secret number 712 printed over a portion of power outlet 700.For example, optical code 710 and secret number 712 can be printed overa portion of power outlet 700 that is to be covered by a faceplate forpower outlet 700. Optical code 710 can encode a MAC address for poweroutlet 700, and can encode secret number 712. Secret number 712 caninclude, for example, 6 hexadecimal or alphanumeric characters. A usercan scan optical code 710, such as via a device-provisioning applicationon a mobile device, to provision the power outlet 700 to operate withina device network. The user can enter secret number 712 into thedevice-provisioning application to complete the provisioning process.For example, power outlet 700 can use a built-in wireless device to hosta closed Wi-Fi network, which the user can use to interface a personalcomputing device (e.g., a smartphone) to power outlet 700. The user cangain access to the closed Wi-Fi network by entering secret number 712 asthe secret key.

As another example, power outlet node 700 can host an open Wi-Finetwork, which the user can use to establish a network connectionbetween his personal computing device and power outlet 700.Alternatively, power outlet 700 can use any wireless technology toestablish a peer-to-peer network connection with the personal computingdevice, such as near field communication (NFC) or Bluetooth Low Energy.The user can run an application on his personal computing device to sendand/or receive data to/from power outlet 700 over the networkconnection. The user can scan optical code 710 using an image sensor onhis personal computing device, and the device signs the data sent topower outlet 700 using information encoded in optical code 710 (e.g.,secret number 712). The application can use optical code 710 to generatea one-way secure hash value that is used to sign data. Alternatively,the application can use optical code 710 during a challenge-responsehandshake protocol with power outlet 700 that establishes a secureconnection with power outlet 700. During this handshake protocol, theapplication and power outlet 700 can exchange digital signatures thatare then used to sign any data transferred between the two devices.

In some embodiments, a plurality of unprovisioned node devices (e.g.,power outlets, light dimmers, thermostats, etc.) can each host anunsecured Wi-Fi network with a common Service Set Identification (SSID).The application can provision the device automatically (e.g., using anoptical code and secret key pair which the user has previously scanned),or can interact with the user to present a sequence ofdevice-provisioning steps. After power outlet 700 becomes provisioned,power outlet 700 will bring down its Wi-Fi network, which can allow theapplication to connect with any other unprovisioned device via thecommon SSID. The application will not detect a Wi-Fi network with thecommon SSID if no unprovisioned devices are within a predetermineddistance to the personal computing device.

In some embodiments, an access point can host a device-provisioningWi-Fi network with an SSID that is dedicated for provisioning devices.Each device can be pre-configured to connect to the device-provisioningWi-Fi network by default (via the predetermined SSID). The applicationcan detect an unprovisioned device by joining this device-provisioningSSID, or by querying the access point while connected to the main Wi-Finetwork (via a different SSID). While provisioning power outlet 700, theapplication can configure power outlet 700 to connect to the main Wi-Finetwork. After power outlet 700 becomes provisioned, power outlet 700will disconnect from the device-provisioning Wi-Fi network, and connectsto the main Wi-Fi network.

Alternatively, when power outlet node 700 joins the device-provisioningWi-Fi network of the access point, the access point can redirect thenetwork connection for power outlet 700 to a device-provisioning serverthat is in charge of provisioning devices into the network. Thedevice-provisioning server can store pairs of optical codes and secretkeys for each device that is to be provisioned or has been provisioned,and uses this information to provision power outlet 700. If the serverdoes not have an optical code and secret key stored for power outlet700, the device-provisioning server can notify a system administratorthat an unrecognized device has been detected, and requests theadministrator to scan optical code 710 and secret key 712 from poweroutlet 700 into the system.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method for processing ameasurement from a power outlet node. During operation, the power outletnode can select an outlet port to monitor (operation 802), anddetermines whether the port is active (operation 804). If the port isactive, the power outlet proceeds to monitor an electrical attributefrom the port (operation 806). The electrical attribute can include, forexample, a power output, a voltage, a current, a power energy sum,and/or other electrical attributes. The power outlet node can then sendthe measured electrical attributes to a device-monitoring controller(operation 808). In some embodiments, the device-monitoring controllercan include a central computer that monitors an operating state for aplurality of devices, and can coordinate communication between thesedevices.

The power outlet node then analyzes triggering conditions for one ormore rules (operation 810), and determines whether a triggeringcondition is satisfied by the measured electrical attributes (operation812). If so, the system proceeds to obtain a rule associated with thetriggering condition (operation 814), and performs the rule's actiondescription (operation 816). The system then returns to operation 810 toanalyze triggering conditions for other rules that remain to beprocessed.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method for initializing a poweroutlet node. During operation, the system can perform a boot-up process(operation 902), for example, in response to power returning to the homeafter an electrical blackout, or in response to a user turning on powerto a home. The boot-up process can include loading a firmware image intomemory, and initializing one or more electronic components of the poweroutlet node. For example, the power outlet node can initialize awireless module to join a wireless network.

A power outlet node can also select an outlet port to initialize(operation 904), and determines an initialization configuration for theoutlet port (operation 906). The power outlet node may then determine ifthe port is to be enabled (operation 908). If so, the power outlet nodecloses a relay for the port to enable power to the port (operation 910).Otherwise, if the port is not to be enabled, the power outlet node canopen a relay for the port to disable power to the port (operation 912).

In some variations, the node may be configured as a light switch nodeand/or light dimmer node. For example, FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplarylight dimmer node 1000. Light dimmer node 1000 can include acapacitive-touch display 1002 that can receive user input from the user.The user input can include any gestures made by the user by touchingand/or dragging a finger on capacitive-touch display 1002. The gesturescan include a “tap” gesture on a portion of capacitive-touch display1002, and a “swipe” gesture that moves along a vertical direction over aportion of capacitive-touch display 1002.

Light dimmer node 1000 can also include a light-emitting diode (LED)indicator 1004, which can include two or more LEDs. For example, socketcover 1006 may be semi-transparent black plastic to reveal light emittedby the LEDs behind socket cover 1006, without revealing the LEDs whenthey are not emitting light. In some embodiments, LED indicator 1004 caninclude a red LED and a blue LED. When both LEDs are on, socket cover1006 reveals a purple color. When only the red or blue LED is on, socketcover 1006 reveals a red or blue color, respectively. On the other hand,when no LED is on, socket cover 1006 does not reveal the LEDs. Lightdimmer node 1000 can also configure one or both LEDs to pulsate at apredetermined frequency, for example, to indicate that light dimmer 1000is in an “off” or “waiting” state.

A metallic faceplate 1008 can be attached over light dimmer node 1000.In some embodiments, faceplate 1008 may be manufactured of aluminum,with a dark anodized finish or a light-colored anodized finish. In someembodiments, capacitive touch display 1002 of light dimmer node 1000 caninclude a display (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD)) to provideinformation to the user. The display can present information to the userwhile the user is interacting with capacitive touch display 1002 toconfigure light dimmer node 1000, for example, by displaying anillustration for the current dim level and/or for any other stateinformation. Also, the user can configure light dimmer node 1000 todisplay the state information when turned on (e.g., to display anillustration of a dim level when providing power to a light fixture),even if the user is not interacting with capacitive touch display 1002.

The display on capacitive touch display 1002 can also display otherinformation for the user. For example, the display can present a userinterface that allows the user to select a menu item, such as for aconfiguration setting, or for an installed application. The display canpresent one or more menu items per screen, and allows the user tonavigate between screens by performing a vertical or horizontal swipegesture. Once the user selects a menu item (e.g., by tapping on the menuitem), light dimmer node 1000 can present a user interface for the menuitem on the display, which allows the user to configure or interact withthe selected menu item (e.g., to adjust a configuration setting).

In some embodiments, a menu item may correspond to a configurationinterface for an external device, such as for a different light dimmerassociated with the same user. For example, light dimmer node 1000 canpresent a user interface that illustrates a status for one or moreexternal devices, such as light dimmers, power outlets, digital hubs,sensors, etc. If the user selects a device from the user interface(e.g., by tapping on the device's icon on capacitive touch display1002), light dimmer node 1000 can present a device-configuring menu thatallows the user to adjust the device.

If the selected device is a remote light dimmer node, thedevice-device-configuring menu can allow the user to interact withcapacitive touch display 1002 as if it were the remote light dimmernode. Hence, the user can perform the advanced light-dimming gestures onlight dimmer node 1000, and have these gestures be interpreted and/orexecuted by the remote light dimmer node. These gestures can correspondto device-configuring functions such as to program a default dim level,or can correspond to state-modifying functions such as to adjust acurrent dim level, or to turn the remote light dimmer node on or off.

On the other hand, if the selected device is a power outlet node, thedevice-configuring menu can allow the user to enable or disable power tothe power outlet node. The device-configuring interface can also allowthe user to view a status of the power outlet node, such as to view asnapshot of the current power consumption via a port of the power outletnode or to view power consumption statistics over a given time interval.

If the selected device is a digital hub, the device-configuring menu canallow the user to view a current temperature and/or thermostat settingsfor one or more zones. The user can also configure the thermostatsettings for a zone, such as to set a temperature threshold for a heaterand/or for an air-conditioning unit.

FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary light dimmer node1100. Light dimmer node 1100 can include a flash storage device 1106that stores data and software instructions for operating light dimmernode 1100, as well as a processing unit 1102 and a memory device 1104for executing the instructions. Light dimmer node 1100 can also includea touch-sensitive user-interface 1122 and a microcontroller 1114 forcontrolling touch-sensitive user-interface 1122. Touch-sensitiveuser-interface 1122 can include one or more sensors 1126, a plurality oftouch-sensitive sensors 1128, and a light-emitting diode (LED) indicator1130.

LED indicator 1130 can include two or more LEDs to indicate at leastfour device states. For example, LED indicator 1130 can include a redLED and a blue LED. When both LEDs are on, LED indicator 1130 emits apurple color. When only the red or blue LED is on, LED indicator 1130emits a red or blue color, respectively. On the other hand, when no LEDis on, LED indicator 1130 does not emit light. These LED states canindicate the following four device states: “off,” “standby,” “switch,”and “dimmer.” The “off” state indicates that the light dimmer is notreceiving any power, and the “standby” state indicates that the lightdimmer is receiving power but is not providing power to a light fixture.The “switch” state indicates that the light dimmer is providing power tothe light fixture using relay 1118.1, and the “dimmer” state indicatesthat light dimmer is providing power to the light fixture using triac1118.2.

Sensors 1126 can include a proximity sensor, a motion sensor, atemperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an ambient light sensor, and/orother sensor devices now known or later developed. The proximity sensorcan detect when an object (e.g., a user's hand) is within a closeproximity of touch-sensitive user-interface 1122, and generates ananalog signal based on the proximity of the detected object to sensors1126. For example, the proximity sensor can include an infraredproximity sensor, which emits an infrared signal from an infraredemitter, and generates the analog signal based on an amount of infraredlight detected by an infrared detector (e.g., infrared light thatreflected off the user's hand).

The motion sensor can include an ultrasonic motion sensor, a microwavemotion sensor, a tomographic motion sensor, or any motion-sensingtechnology now known or later developed. When a user or an object movesin front of touch-sensitive user-interface 1122, the motion sensor candetect the motion and can generate a binary value that indicates that anobject has been detected. In some embodiments, the motion sensor cangenerate an analog or digital value that indicates, for example, achange in an ultrasonic measurement, a change in a microwavemeasurement, etc.

Touch-sensitive sensors 1138 can include capacitive-touch sensors,resistive-touch sensors, or any touch-screen sensors now known or laterdeveloped. For example, when a user touches a respectivecapacitive-touch sensor (e.g., sensor 1128.n), the touch-sensitivesensor detects an increase in capacitance on the surface of its touchscreen, and generates an analog voltage which reflects the amount ofcapacitance that was detected.

A respective touch-sensitive sensor can include a jagged shape along onedimension, such as a plurality of chevron shapes adjoined along ahorizontal dimension, and the set of touch-sensitive sensors1128.1-1128.n can be arranged along a dimension of user-interface 1122perpendicular to the jagged shape (e.g., along a vertical dimension ofuser-interface 1122). Further, two neighboring touch-sensitive sensorscan be placed in close proximity, for example, so that a lowest point onone touch-sensitive sensor (e.g., sensor 1128.1) has a verticalcoordinate along user-interface 1122 that is less than or equal to ahighest point on a lower-neighboring touch-sensitive sensor (e.g.,sensor 1128.2).

Alternatively, a respective touch-sensitive sensor can include any othershape suitable for implementing a touch-sensitive grid, and the set oftouch-sensitive sensors 1128.1-1128.n can be arranged along twodimension of user-interface 1122 to create a touch-sensitive surface(e.g., a grid or any other user-interface pattern) associated with apre-determined set of touch-surface gestures.

Touch-sensitive user-interface 1122 generates a digital output signalfor each of proximity sensor 1130, touch-sensitive sensors1128.1-1128.n, and sensors 1126. Touch-sensitive user-interface 1122 caninclude a circuit that provides a constant current source to charge eachcapacitive-touch sensor 1128. Touch-sensitive user-interface 1122 canalso include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) device or a Schmitttrigger device for each sensor, which converts the sensor's analogsignal value to a digital binary signal that indicates whether thesensor is charged. Touch-sensitive user-interface 1122 can provide thedigital binary signal to microcontroller 1114 via a parallel bus (e.g.,a plurality of GPIO pins on microcontroller 1114), or via a serial bus(e.g., an SPI or an I2C bus on microcontroller 1114). Any of the sensorsdescribed herein may be incorporated into any of the nodes described.

Microcontroller 1114 can use CTMU to determine whether a user istouching a respective capacitive-touch sensor 1128. When a user touchesa capacitive-touch sensor, the user's touch adds a small capacitance tothe sensor's capacitor, which causes the current source to require alonger time duration to charge the sensor's capacitor. Microcontroller1114 measures an amount of time it takes to charge each capacitive-touchsensor 1128, and determines whether a user is touching a respectivesensor by determining whether the amount of time required to charge thesensor is greater than or less than a predetermined threshold time.Microcontroller 1114 determines that a user is touching the sensor ifthe time required to charge the sensor is greater than the predeterminedthreshold time, and determines that the user is not touching the sensorotherwise.

Microcontroller 1114 can periodically monitor the state for the varioussensors of touch-sensitive user-interface 1122, for example, atapproximately 15 millisecond intervals. In some embodiments,microcontroller 1114 samples the various sensors of touch-sensitiveuser-interface 1122 on or after the voltage from the alternating current(AC) power supply crosses the zero-voltage level, which reduces noise inthe measurements from touch-sensitive user-interface 1122. Ifmicrocontroller 1114 determines that proximity sensor 1130 detects anobject, microcontroller 1114 can activate a light source fortouch-sensitive user-interface 1122 to allow the user to seeuser-interface 1122 while the user is entering a device-controllingcommand via user-interface 1122. Microcontroller 1114 can activate thelight source, for example, by ramping up the brightness of the lightsource over a determinable time interval to a determinable level (e.g.,to a fixed level, or to a level derived from an amount of ambientlight).

Also, if microcontroller 1114 determines that a touch-sensitive sensorhas detected an object's touch, microcontroller 1114 can determine agesture based on the current state and the previous state oftouch-screen user-interface 1122. For example, microcontroller 1114 candetermine a current region of user-interface 1122 that the user istouching (e.g., the current state), and can determine a direction for agesture based on a previous touch-sensitive sensor that detected anobject's touch (e.g., the previous state). Once the user has completedhis interaction with user-interface 1122, microcontroller 1114 cangenerate a gesture that indicates a speed and a direction of the user'sgesture, and/or a distance traveled by the user's gesture. Thus,microcontroller 1114 may determine that the user is making an upwardfinger-swipe gesture or a downward finger-swipe gesture, as well as aspeed and distance traveled by the finger-swipe gesture.

If the user is not swiping his finger across the surface oftouch-sensitive user-interface 1122 (e.g., the previous state did notinvolve the user touching or swiping across user-interface 1114),microcontroller 1114 can determine a region of user-interface 1122 thatthe user has touched. Microcontroller 1114 can generate and store agesture that indicates the surface portion of user-interface 1122 thatthe user has touched, for example, using a numeric value that indicatesa vertical coordinate of the user-interface 1122 touched by the user.Processing unit 1102 can configure the power output to the light fixtureto reach a light intensity that corresponds to the numeric value. Lightdimmer 1100 can also include a vibrating mechanism (e.g., a vibratingmotor) to provide haptic feedback to the user as the user swipes hisfinger across the surface of touch-sensitive user-interface 1122. Thishaptic feedback allows the user to feel a response that indicates theuser's interaction with light dimmer 1100.

In some embodiments, processing unit 1102 periodically polls the sensorreadings (e.g., at approximately 15 millisecond intervals) and/orgestures from microcontroller 1114. For example, microcontroller 1114can send the current state of touch-sensitive user-interface 1122 toprocessing unit 1102, such that processing unit 1102 analyzes thecurrent state and previous states of touch-sensitive user-interface 1122to determine the user's gesture.

Also, processing unit 1102 can use the obtained data to select a set ofrules to evaluate, and can perform an action associated with any ruleswhose conditions have been met. Processing unit 1102 can also select aset of remote devices that have subscribed to a piece of data (e.g.,data for a detected motion and/or a detected gesture), and can send thepiece of data to the selected devices using network addressinginformation associated with their corresponding network connections.

Light dimmer node 1100 can include one or more communication modules1108 for communicating with external devices. Communication modules 1108can include or be coupled to a wireless module 1110 (e.g., a Wi-Fimodule, or a Bluetooth module), and/or can include an Ethernet modulecoupled to an Ethernet port (not shown). Device architecture 280 canalso include a serial port 1112 (e.g., an RS-232 jack for a UART port),which can be coupled to an external device, and can be used byprocessing unit 1102 to monitor and/or control the peripheral device.The peripheral device can include a “dumb” light switch or power outlet,an appliance (e.g., an HVAC system), or any electronic or computingdevice that can communicate via serial port 1112.

Light dimmer node 1100 can also include power-controlling modules 1118to control and/or regulate an output power signal, and can include apower-output controller 1116 to configure and monitor the power outputby power-controlling modules 1118. Light dimmer 1100 can also includepower terminals 1120 for providing the output power signal to anelectrical load, such as a light fixture, an electric motor, an HVACsystem, etc. In some embodiments, light dimmer 1100 implements a lightswitch, and power-controlling modules 1118 includes a relay 1118.1.Processing unit 1102 can configure microcontroller 1114 to close relay1118.1 to provide power to an external load electrically coupled topower terminals 1120 (e.g., a light fixture), or to open relay 1118.1 toturn off power to the external load. Microcontroller 1114 opens orcloses relay 1118.1 by configuring power-output controller 1116 togenerate the electrical signals necessary for opening or closing relay1118.1. Microcontroller can also configure power-output controller 1116to monitor an amount of power dissipated by power-terminals 1120, forexample, to periodically obtain a power measurement for an electricalload.

In some embodiment, light dimmer node 1100 can function as a dimmer (tocontrol an average voltage to a light fixture) or as a switch (to turnon or off power to a light fixture). When operating as a dimmer,processing unit 1102 can configure triac 1118.2 to provide up to 5 ampsof current to a light fixture via power terminals 1120. When operatingas a switch, processing unit 1102 can configure relay 1118.1 to provideup to 15 amps of current to the light fixture via power terminals 1120.The user can toggle the functionality of light dimmer 1100, for example,by pressing and holding a finger on touch-sensitive user-interface 1122for a predetermined time interval (e.g., 10 seconds).

When light dimmer node 1100 is configured to operate as a light switch,processing unit 1102 can close relay 1118.1 to enable power to a lightfixture, and can open relay 1118.1 to turn off power to the lightfixture. However, relay 1118.1 is oftentimes implemented as a mechanicalswitch that emits noise while opening or closing. In some embodiments,processing unit 1102 can use triac 1118.2 to silently enable or disablepower to the light fixture.

When light dimmer node 1100 is configured to operate as a light dimmer,processing unit 1102 can detect a light-adjusting gesture from a user(e.g., via microcontroller 1114), and configures microcontroller 1114 toadjust a brightness level for the light fixture. For example, as theuser performs an upward finger swipe on touch-sensitive user-interface1122, processing unit 1102 can determine a brightness level for thelight fixture based on the current (or most recent) position, direction,and/or velocity of the user's finger on touch-sensitive user-interface1122. Processing unit 1102 can select the highest brightness level ifthe user taps on touch-sensitive sensor 1128.1, or can select the lowest(or off) brightness level if the user taps on touch-sensitive sensor1128.n.

Processing unit 1102 can configure microcontroller 1114 to adjust thepower output transmitted by triac 1118.2 to correspond to the user'sdesired brightness level. For example, microcontroller 1114 canconfigure power-output controller 1116 and triac 290.2 to clip analternating-current (AC) waveform to produce a phase-clipped waveformthat effectively reduces a brightness level for a light fixtureelectrically coupled to power terminals 1120.

In some embodiments, processing unit 1102 can store a programmedbrightness level for the user. The user can perform anintensity-configuring gesture to program the brightness level to adesired level once. For example, the intensity-configuring gesture caninclude the user pressing and holding a finger (or two fingers) ontouch-sensitive user-interface 1122 for a predetermined time interval(e.g., 5 seconds), and then dragging his finger (or multiple fingers ona two-dimensional capacitive-touch sensor) up or down to reach thedesired brightness level. The user can turn the light on or off bytapping anywhere on touch-sensitive user-interface 1122, whichconfigures power-output controller 1116 to enable or disable power topower terminals 1120 at the programmed lighting level. The user can alsoset the programmed brightness level by interacting with an applicationon a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone) that communicates the brightnesslevel to light dimmer 1100. Alternatively, the user can use a webbrowser to load a web page hosted by light dimmer 1100, and can set theprogrammed brightness level using the web page.

Further, processing unit 1102 can quickly ramp up or ramp down thebrightness level if the user performs a fast upward or downward fingerswipe. Alternatively, processing unit 1102 can perform fine-grainedadjustments to the light fixture's brightness level if the user performsa slow upward or downward finger swipe, for example, to increase ordecrease the brightness level by a finer granularity than can beachieved by tapping on any of touch-sensitive sensors 1128.

Light dimmer node 1100 can use sensors 1126 to perform dynamic lightingcontrol. Hence, light dimmer 1100 can turn on lights when the motionsensor detects a motion (e.g., when a user enters a room), and can turnoff lights when no motion is detected for at least a predetermined timeinterval (e.g., the user has left the room). Light dimmer 1100 can alsouse the ambient-light sensor to auto-calibrate a dim level. For example,the dim level configured by a user can correspond to a brightness levelin the room. Light dimmer 1100 can use the ambient-light sensor toadjust the phase-clipped waveform on triac 1118.2 based on the room'sbrightness to reach the user-configured brightness level. Hence, lightdimmer 1100 can increase a power output to an aging bulb to maintain theuser's desired brightness level. Also, light dimmer 1100 can adjust thephase-clipped waveform throughout the day to reach and retain the user'sdesired brightness level.

Light dimmer node 1100 can also use motion sensor 1126 as part of asecurity system, or as part of an HVAC system. A security system can usemotion detected by the motion sensor to compile a historicalmotion-sensing record. The security system can trigger a securitymeasure if motion is detected when a user is not expected to be nearby,such as to record video from a camera in the same room as light dimmer1100. An HVAC system can transition between an “active” (e.g., occupied)and “standby” (e.g., vacant) state based on whether motion has beendetected via the motion sensor, or other motion sensors within the HVACzone. The HVAC system can set the zone to a user's comfort level when inthe “active” state, and can set the zone to a low-energy configurationwhen in the “standby” state.

Unlike typical light dimmers, light dimmer 1100 can also be used in amaster/slave configuration to control one or more light fixtures.Typical light dimmers include a physical slider that controls a lightfixture's state, and the state can only be changed when a user manuallyslides the physical slider up or down. Another dimmer cannot be used tocontrol that same light fixture because it would interfere with thesignals from the first dimmer. In some embodiments, light dimmer 1100can have its local state modified either manually by a user swiping afinger over the surface of touch-sensitive user-interface 1122, or froma remote network device. For example, light dimmer 1100 can receive acommand from a remote device (e.g., a central controller, or a remotelight dimmer) that indicates a target output voltage or brightnesslevel. Alternatively, light dimmer 1100 can process rules that configurea new brightness level for a light fixture. Light dimmer 1100 can detectan event or can receive an event that triggers the rule (e.g., a localevent, or an event received from a central controller or a remote lightdimmer), and processes the rule's action description to adjust the lightfixture's brightness level.

In some embodiments, processing unit 1102 can control a light fixturethat is not electrically coupled to power terminals 1120. Whenprocessing unit 1102 detects a gesture event performed by the user(e.g., via microcontroller 1114), processing unit 1102 can send thegesture event to a remote light dimmer, a power outlet, or aninterfacing device that has subscribed to events from the local lightdimmer. When the remote interfacing device receives the gesture event,the remote interfacing device can use the event information to controlpower to a light fixture based on a rule stored in the device's localrule repository.

In some embodiments, power-output controller 1116 also monitors anamount of current, an amount of power, and/or a phase of the power beingtransmitted via power terminals 1120. Microcontroller 1114 can calibratepower output controller 1116, based on the measured values, to stabilizethe power transmitted via power terminals 1120. If microcontroller 1114detects a change in the electrical load, for example due to a dimminglight fixture, microcontroller 1114 can adjust power output controller1116 to compensate for the change in the electrical load to reach adesired power output. Thus, microcontroller 1114 can use power outputcontroller 1116 to implement a feedback loop that adjusts power to alight fixture to ensure a steady (non-fluctuating) light intensity, evenas the light fixture ages over time.

Typical dimmers don't always work well with all bulb types. Using anincompatible bulb in a “dimmed” mode can cause the bulb to not emit asufficient amount of light, or may cause the bulb to emit a “humming”noise. In some embodiments, light dimmer 1100 can detect when a lightbulb is not compatible with a light-dimming functionality, when a lightbulb has failed, or has started to fail. If a failed or failing bulb isdetected, light dimmer 1100 can alert the user to replace the bulb. Ifan incompatible bulb is detected, light dimmer 1100 can alert the userthat the bulb cannot be dimmed, and/or can transition into a “lightswitch” mode using either mechanical relay 1118.1 or solid-state triac1118.2. Light dimmer 1100 can also use an energy-monitoringfunctionality of 1116 to determine a lowest possible dim level for alight bulb, and configures this dim level as a minimum “dim” level forthe light fixture. Light dimmer 1100 can turn off power to the lightfixture if a user issues a command to lower a light level below thisminimum dim level.

In some embodiments, touch-sensitive user-interface 1122 can include adisplay device (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) device). Also,touch-sensitive sensors 1128 can include a vertical array ofcapacitive-touch sensors (e.g., as displayed in FIG. 11), or can includea two-dimensional array or grid of capacitive-touch sensors (not shown).Touch-sensitive sensors 1128 can detect, in real-time, when a user istouching touch-sensitive user-interface 1122 with one or more fingers,and display device can display near-real time feedback to the user whilethe user interacts with user-interface 1122. For example, the displaydevice can display an updated dim level as the user is performing agesture to adjust a light fixture's dim level. The display device canalso display other information and/or other interactive UI elements tothe user. For example, light dimmer 1100 can use the display device topresent a device-configuring menu to the user, which allows the user toselect a Wi-Fi network, and to enter Wi-Fi credentials for a securednetwork. The device-configuring menu can also allow the user to registera password that needs to be entered when making changes to the device,and can allow the user to configure whether configuration changes can bemade over the Wi-Fi network. Light dimmer 1100 can also use the displaydevice to display a device-provisioning menu, which can add light dimmer1100 to controller (e.g., a server) that monitors, configures, and/orcontrols one or more devices in a smart-home network.

In some embodiments, the user can switch between the dimmer's defaultscreen (which, for example, can indicate a current lighting level), thedevice-configuring menu, and the device-provisioning menu by performinga side-swipe gesture. In response to detecting a side-swipe gesture,light dimmer node 1100 can animate a transition from one display screento the next. This animation can include a screen-sliding effect, whichslides at a horizontal rate that matches the user's side-slidinggesture. When the user selects a field of a display screen, light dimmernode 1100 can present a data-input UI element that allows the user toenter characters into the input field. The data-input UI element caninclude or resemble a keyboard, a slider, an input wheel, or any othergraphical user interface (GUI) element now known or later developed.

Light dimmer node 1100 can also include a universal serial bus (USB)port 1132 (e.g., via a micro-USB connector), which can be used toperform diagnostics on light dimmer node 1100, to load firmware to lightdimmer node 1100, or to provision light dimmer node 1100. A user canperform diagnostics, for example, by interfacing a personal computingdevice (e.g., laptop) to light dimmer node 1100 via USB port 1132, andrunning diagnostics software on the personal computing device. Thediagnostics software can aggregate information from light dimmer node1100, can analyze this information to present configuration informationto the user, and to detect or diagnose any malfunctions.

The user can provision light dimmer node 1100 using USB port 1132, forexample, by attaching a USB drive (e.g., a flash drive) into USB port1132, such that this USB drive contains configuration and/orprovisioning parameters (e.g., Wi-Fi parameters) for light dimmer 1100.The user can interact with light dimmer node 1100 via a web page hostedby light dimmer 1100, or via a pre-installed application on a personalcomputing device that interfaces with light dimmer node 1100. When lightdimmer node 1100 detects configuration information in the USB drive,light dimmer node 1100 can display a confirmation prompt to the user viathe web page or application, which asks the user to confirm that hewishes to load the configuration information from the USB drive. If theuser has set an administrator password, light dimmer node 1100 canprompt the user to enter his password before loading the configurationinformation. In some embodiments, touch-sensitive user-interface 1122can include a display device, which the user can interact with toconfirm that he wishes to perform diagnostics on light dimmer node 1100,to load firmware to light dimmer node 1100, or to provision light dimmernode 1100.

FIG. 12 illustrates an angled view of an exemplary light dimmer node1200. Specifically, light dimmer node 1200 can include a serialinterface 1202 (e.g., an 12C interface), LED indicators 1204, a resetbutton 1206, and an “INIT” button 1208. When reset button 1206 isdepressed for a predetermined time interval (e.g., 10 seconds), amicroprocessor of power outlet 1200 initiates a power cycle. Also, whenINIT button 1208 is depressed for a predetermined time interval (e.g.,10 seconds), the microprocessor re-initializes the device to factorysettings. In some embodiments, the microprocessor can be reinitializedto factory settings by loading a factory-installed firmware image into aflash storage device of light dimmer node 1200.

LED indicators 1204 can include two LED lights of different colors. Insome embodiments, LED indicators 1204 can include a red LED and a blueLED, which can each be turned on or off programmatically by a processorof light dimmer 1200. Hence, LED indicators 1204 can emit a red light, ablue light, a purple light (e.g., when both red and blue LEDs are on),or no light (e.g., when neither the red or blue LED is on). The coloremitted by LED indicators 1204 can be used to indicate a networkconnectivity, a network packet being transmitted, a network packet beingreceived, a power source status, or any other user-defined condition orevent.

In some embodiments, the color emitted by LED indicators 1204 canindicate a status of light dimmer node 1200, such as to indicate whethera light fixture is off (e.g., by turning on the red LED, or not turningon any LEDs), whether the light fixture is on (e.g., by turning on theblue LED), or whether the light fixture is being dimmed (e.g., byturning on the red and blue LEDs to emit a purple light).

A microprocessor of power outlet/light dimmer node 1200 can also controlLED indicators 1204 based on a user-defined rule, such as to implement anight light functionality by turning on both LEDs. In some embodiments,the user-defined “night light” rule can turn on both LEDs during apredetermined time of day. Alternatively, light dimmer 1200 can includea light sensor that measures the room's ambient light level. When theroom's ambient light drops below a predetermined level, light dimmer1200 can generate an event which indicates that the room is dark. Lightdimmer 1200 can use this event to identify a “night light” rule that isactivated by this event, and can process the rule to turn on the poweroutlet's LEDs.

Light dimmer node 1200 includes four terminals (illustrated as wires inFIG. 12): a load terminal, a ground terminal, a hot terminal, and aneutral terminal. Light dimmer node 1200 uses the neutral and hotterminals to power the electronics of light dimmer node 1200, and usesthe load and ground terminals to provide power to an external lightfixture.

Serial interface 1202 can include a 4-pin micro connector withelectrical insulation, which can be used to interface light dimmer 704with a remote device (e.g., a power outlet or light dimmer). A “smart”device can include additional features that are not included in a “dumb”device, such as a wireless module, a motion sensor, a temperaturesensor, etc. The smart device can send signals to a dumb device, toallow the dumb device to perform the same functions of a smart device.For example, dumb devices can access a network connection from a smartdevice. Also, smart devices can send sensor readings from a sensor todumb devices that don't include the sensor.

In some embodiments, light dimmer node 1200 can include an optical code1210 and a secret number 1212 printed over a portion of light dimmernode 1200. For example, optical code 1210 and secret number 1212 can beprinted over a portion of light dimmer node 1200 that is to be coveredby a faceplate for light dimmer node 1200. For example, light dimmernode 1200 can use a built-in wireless device to host a closed Wi-Finetwork, which the user can use to interface a personal computing device(e.g., a smartphone) to light dimmer node 1200. The user can gain accessto the closed Wi-Fi network by entering secret number 1212 as the secretkey.

As another example, light dimmer node 1200 can host an open Wi-Finetwork, which the user can use to establish a network connectionbetween his personal computing device and light dimmer node 1200.Alternatively, light dimmer node 1200 can use any wireless technology toestablish a peer-to-peer network connection with the personal computingdevice, such as near field communication (NFC) or Bluetooth Low Energy.The user can run an application on his personal computing device to sendand/or receive data to/from light dimmer node 1200 over the networkconnection. The user can scan optical code 1210 using an image sensor onhis personal computing device, and the device signs the data sent tolight dimmer 1200 using information encoded in optical code 1210 (e.g.,secret number 1212). The application can use optical code 1210 togenerate a one-way secure hash value that is used to sign data.Alternatively, the application can use optical code 1210 during achallenge-response handshake protocol with light dimmer node 1200 thatestablishes a secure connection with light dimmer node 1200. During thishandshake protocol, the application and light dimmer node 1200 canexchange digital signatures that are then used to sign any datatransferred between the two devices.

In some embodiments, a plurality of unprovisioned devices (e.g., poweroutlets, light dimmers, thermostats, etc.) can each host an unsecuredWi-Fi network with a common Service Set Identification (SSID). Theprovisioning application on the user's personal computing device canprovision one device at a time via the common SSID. After light dimmer1200 becomes provisioned, light dimmer 1200 will bring down its Wi-Finetwork, which can allow the application to connect with any otherunprovisioned device via the common SSID. The application will notdetect a Wi-Fi network with the common SSID if no unprovisioned devicesremain.

In some embodiments, an access point can host an additional Wi-Finetwork with an SSID that is dedicated for device provisioning. Eachdevice can be pre-configured to connect to the device-provisioning Wi-Finetwork by default. The application can detect an unprovisioned deviceby joining this device-provisioning SSID, or by querying the accesspoint while connected to the main Wi-Fi network (via a different SSID).While provisioning light dimmer node 1200, the application can configurelight dimmer node 1200 to connect to the main Wi-Fi network. After lightdimmer 1200 becomes provisioned, light dimmer node 1200 will disconnectfrom the device-provisioning Wi-Fi network, and connects to the mainWi-Fi network.

Alternatively, when light dimmer node 1200 joins the device-provisioningWi-Fi network of the access point, the access point can redirect thenetwork connection for light dimmer node 1200 to a device-provisioningserver that is in charge of provisioning devices into the network. Thedevice-provisioning server can store pairs of optical codes and secretkeys for each device that is to be provisioned or has been provisioned,and uses this information to provision light dimmer node 1200. If theserver does not have an optical code and secret key stored for lightdimmer node 1200, the device-provisioning server can notify a systemadministrator that an unrecognized device has been detected, andrequests the administrator to scan optical code 1210 and secret key 1212from light dimmer node 1200 into the system.

Light dimmer node 1200 can also include a universal serial bus (USB)interface that allows a user to upload a configuration file. The USBinterface can be accessed from behind a faceplate, such as on a side oflight dimmer node 1200. The USB signals can be isolated fromfluctuations in the light dimmer's power signals, for example, by usingopto-couplers to prevent variations on the power signals from causingfluctuations on the USB signals.

FIG. 13 presents a flow chart illustrating a method 1300 for processinga user input for adjusting a brightness level. During operation, thelight dimmer node can detect a user input from a capacitive-touch userinterface (operation 1302), and analyzes the user input to determine agesture (operation 1304). The gesture can include, for example, a tapgesture, a touch-and-hold gesture, and a swipe gesture. The tap gesturecan include a touch-screen coordinate. The touch-and-hold gesture caninclude a touch-screen coordinate, and a time duration during which thetouch screen was touched. The swipe gesture can include a startingcoordinate, an ending coordinate, and a speed (or time interval) for theswipe gesture. The system then determines a target output lighting levelbased on the gesture (operation 1306). In some embodiments, the lightdimmer node samples the capacitive-touch user interface on or after thevoltage from the alternating current (AC) power supply crosses thezero-voltage level, which reduces noise from the capacitive-touch userinterface.

In some embodiments, a light fixture can be coupled directly to thelocal light dimmer node. A light fixture can also be coupled to a remotelight dimmer node or power outlet node that provides power to the lightfixture. In some embodiments, the local light dimmer node can controlpower to multiple light fixtures by sending commands to one or moreremote devices that provide power to these light fixtures. Hence, thelight dimmer node can determine whether a target light fixture iscoupled to a local power terminal (operation 1308), and if so, canadjust the power output of the power terminal based on the determinedoutput level (operation 1310). The light dimmer node (e.g., acting oninstructions from the digital hub) can also determine whether a targetlight fixture is coupled to a remote device (operation 1312), and if so,the light dimmer node can send the determined output level to the remotedevice (operation 1314).

FIG. 14 presents a flow chart illustrating a method 1400 forautomatically adjusting an operation mode to accommodate a lightfixture. Recall that a light fixture includes a mechanical relay thatcan output 15 amps of current, and includes a solid-state relay that canoutput 5 amps of current. The mechanical relay can be used to enable ordisable power to an external load, whereas the solid-state relay can beused to adjust an amount of power that is provided to the external load.During operation, the light dimmer node can monitor a power output ofthe power terminal (operation 1402), and determines whether the currentis greater than 5 amps (operation 1404). If the current exceeds 5 amps,the light dimmer node can transition to a “switch” mode to ensure thatthe external load does not draw more power than can be provided by arelay.

Some light fixtures may consume more than 5 amps of current while indimming mode, but may consume less than 5 amps of current whencompletely on. Hence, during operation 1406, the light dimmer cantransition to “switch” mode by setting the phase-clipped waveform to100% (operation 1408). The light dimmer node can monitor a power outputof the power terminal once again (operation 1410), and again determineswhether the current is greater than 5 amps (operation 1412). If settingthe phase-clipped waveform to 100% does not drop the current to below 5amps, the light dimmer can disable the solid-state relay (operation1414), and enables the mechanical relay to provide up to 15 amps ofcurrent to the power terminal (operation 1416).

Another variation of a node, as mentioned above, is a wall-mounted,interactive sensing and audio-visual node device for a networkedliving/working space. Any of the exemplary nodes described above (e.g.,power outlet nodes, light switch nodes, light dimmer nodes, etc.) may bewall-mounted, and may also be interactive sensing and audio-visual nodedevices for a networked living/working space. For example, FIGS. 15A and15C schematically illustrate another variation of a wall-mounted,interactive sensing and audio-visual node device for a networkedliving/working space. In general, these devices are configured to bemounted onto a wall, and particularly over a power box in a wall (orceiling or floor). These devices also typically include a plurality ofsensors of different modalities (e.g., generating differentcharacteristic data streams), as well as a wireless transmitter/receiverfor transmitting the data stream and receiving instruction (e.g., from adigital hub).

As mentioned, a wall-mounted sensing and audio-visual node device may beconfigured to fit (e.g., retrofit) over a light switch and/or poweroutlet, or be mounted directly to (or in) a wall, including (but notlimited to) in a power box connected to a wall power line. Thewall-mounted sensing and audio-visual node devices described herein mayalso be referred to as an “integrated sensor panel” that can be usedboth for sensing one or more preferably more parameters and fordisplaying (and in some cases, interactively displaying) information. Ingeneral, these devices may communicate directly with other node devices(e.g., in a mesh) and/or with a digital hub, as discussed above. Assuch, they may be securely connected to the internal network with othernodes and/or hub, and authenticated as described above.

FIG. 15A shows a variation of an integrated sensor panel (awall-mounted, interactive sensing and audio-visual node device for anetworked living/working space). FIG. 15C illustrates another example ofan integrated sensor panel (e.g., a wall-mounted, interactive sensingand audio-visual node device for a networked living/working space, or“node”). In FIG. 15A, the integrated sensor panel 1500 is similar insize to a light switch plate. The front of the panel includes a camera1502, microphone 1504, detectors 1506 e.g. smoke and carbon monoxide, aspeaker 1508, and a LED display 1510. FIG. 15B illustrates anothervariation of an integrated sensor panel 1500 that may be inserted and/orover into an existing electrical power receptacle (power box). The panel1500 is similar in size to a light switch cover having depth. Themicrophone 1504, detectors 1506, and speaker 1508 have been moved fromthe front panel (when compared to FIG. 15A) to the side or bottom of thepanel. The display 1510 is the front of the panel. In some variationsthe integrated sensor panel may include an optional data storage unit orlocal processor that enhances the system's capability, as describedabove for the hub (FIG. 1C). In FIG. 15C, the node includes an openingfor a light switch 1511, and is configured as a faceplate covering thepower box into which a switch is also positioned. In FIG. 15C, the frontof the panel (faceplate) includes a camera 1502, microphone 1504, airquality sensors/detectors 1506 e.g. smoke and carbon monoxide, a speaker1508, and a light sensor 1513, as well as a temperature sensor 1517.

FIGS. 15D and 15E illustrate variations of the integrated sensor panel1500 that include a slave switch 1512. FIG. 15D is similar in size to a2 gang light switch plate and has one slave switch 1512. FIG. 15E issimilar in size to a 2 gang light switch plate and has one slave poweroutlet 1514. FIG. 15F is similar in size to a 3 gang light switch plateand includes two slave switches 1512. Although the integrated sensorpanel 1500 is illustratively described in the leftmost gang position,the panel may be placed in any of the gangs. The integrated sensor panel1500 acts as a master switch and may control the slave switch 1512 orslave power outlet 1514. The slave switch 1512 may control appliancesplugged into a power outlet or hardwired appliances, e.g. fans, airconditioning, etc. A slave power outlet 1514 provides direct control ofplugged in appliances.

The concept may be extended to any multiple gang switch unit. Invariations, there may be additional integrated sensor panels.

FIG. 15F is an illustrative example of a block diagram of the integratedsensor panel according to FIGS. 15A-15E. A controller 1550 is inbidirectional communication with a Wi-Fi antenna 1552, an imageprocessor 1554, USB port for the slave switch 1556, speakers 1508,microphone 1504, gas detector 1506, and a display 1510. The sensors 1506may measure directly or indirectly gas, visible light, audio, or motion.

FIGS. 15H-15K illustrate various displays that may be shown on a sensorpanel (wall-mounted, interactive sensing and audio-visual node devicefor a networked living/working space). In general, the display 1510 maybe a touch capacitive display or an LED display. An LED display may showsingle function control, e.g. volume or temperature control. A touchcapacitive display may show room health statistics, e.g. temperature,air quality, and occupation level, as shown in FIG. 15H. The integratedsensor panel 1500 may have access to other environment customizationfeatures. e.g. intercom 1510 a (exemplary display shown in FIG. 15I),music 1510 b (exemplary display shown in FIG. 15J), and surveillance1510 c (exemplary display shown in FIG. 15K). To illustrate, in intercommode, the user of the integrated sensor panel has audio or visual fromanother location on site. In music mode, the user can access a playlistor change the volume from a stereo system, laptop, etc. In surveillancemode, the user has audio and visual access to a room that requiresmonitoring.

In one variation, the gas detector 1506 is a catalytic bead sensor. Thesensor is used detect and measure combustible gases and vapors from0-100% LEL (lower explosive limit). The sensor is less sensitive totemperature and humidity effects and offers repeatable performance. Itis susceptible to poisoning and inhibition from some gases, which maydecrease its sensitivity or damage the sensor.

In another variation, the gas detector 1506 is an electrochemical gassensor that measure the concentration of a target gas by oxidizing orreducing the target gas at an electrode and measuring the resultingcurrent. The sensor is used for the detection of toxic gases at the PPMlevel and for oxygen in levels of percent of volume. The toxic gasesinclude but are not limited to carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, sulfurdioxide, nitrogen dioxide, chlorine.

In another variation, the gas detector 1506 is a non-dispersive infraredabsorption sensor. The sensor is used for the detection of methane,carbon dioxide, and nitric oxides. It is not susceptible to poisons andcan be made specific to a particular target gas.

In another variation, the gas detector 1506 is a metal oxide sensor. Thesensor is used for the detection of combustible gases, chlorinatedsolvents, and some toxic gases. The toxic gases include but are notlimited to carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide. Sensor performance isaffected by the output of the MOS sensors which varies logarithmicallywith the gas concentration, oxygen concentration, humidity, andtemperature.

In another variation, the gas detector 1506 is a photoionizationdetector. The sensor is used for situations where high sensitivity, e.g.sub-PPM level, and limited selectivity, e.g. broad range coverage, isdesired. This gas sensor is used for the detection of volatile organiccompounds (VOCs), e.g. benzene/toluene/xylene, vinyl chloride, andhexane. PID performance is affected by sensor drift and humidity.

The aforementioned variations may include temperature and humiditycompensation to improve accuracy. To illustrate, high humidity resultsin condensation at the walls of a structure, e.g. house or officebuilding. Damp buildings may support the growth of mold and bacteria onindoor surfaces thereby increasing the levels of mold, bacteria, andtheir byproducts in indoor air. The level of indoor air humidity affectsthe indoor levels of house dust mites and house dust mite allergens.

For carbon dioxide sensing, the sensors 1506 may be semiconductors,solid electrolytes, optic fibers laser diodes, and non-dispersive IR(NDIR). NDIR sensors may be selected as they are stable and very robustagainst interference by other air components.

For carbon monoxide, the sensors 1506 may be electrochemical and MOS.

Wireless Access Points Fed by Power Line Communication

As mentioned above, any of the nodes described herein may also beconfigured to perform as wireless access points that are fed by powerline communication.

Standard types of communication networks, such as a wireless local areanetwork (WLAN) and a hard-wired local area network (LAN) are commonlyused to achieve interconnectivity. In WLANs, radio frequencies, asopposed to physical connectors, serve as the means for communicationbetween devices. Accordingly, WLAN set-up, expansion, and take down allrequire minimal time and physical effort because no wiring orsignificant renovation is involved. In contrast, a hard-wired LAN isformed with dedicated cables, wires, or the like that interconnectdevices to each other within a localized area. Depending on the size andcomplexity of the LAN, set up or installation can be cumbersome andcostly. There are, however, a few key advantages of hard-wired networksthat perpetuate their use; greater security, reliability, andperformance at speeds much faster than their wireless counterparts.

In general, a wireless access point allows the creation or extension ofa wireless local area network (LAN) by wirelessly communicating with aplurality of client devices (each having a Wi-Fi connectivity). Whensetting up a wireless network, an access point may be connected, e.g.,via Ethernet connection, to a router using a wired network (although therouter may be an integral component of the access point), and may alsoconnect to (or include) an Ethernet switch and/or broadband modem, andmay ultimately connect to an internet service provider (ISP) to getinternet access. The wireless access point (or access points whencovering multiple regions/zones) may be positioned within a habitablestructure to provide optimal wireless access throughout the structure.Typically, one disadvantage in setting up an access point in this manneris the requirement that it be hardwired (e.g., via Ethernet connection)to the source of the internet connection (which may include a switch).Thus, if one or more wireless access points are set up through abuilding, each access point (AP) is typically connected by cables.However, pulling cable can be expensive and difficult.

Described herein are wireless access points that may be integrated intoexisting buildings (habitable structures such as homes, apartments,offices, etc.), including integrating into an existing power box withina wall (e.g., wall, ceiling, floor, etc.), and connect via power linecommunication to provide internet connectivity. Power linecommunications can be used to interconnect devices using the existingelectrical wiring in the home. This may allow connection between, forexample, the wireless access point in one location and a virtual routerin another location, without running dedicated network cables betweenthe two. A widely deployed power line networking standard is from theHomePlug Powerline Alliance (HomePlug AV).

In general, described herein are power receptacle wireless access point(AP) devices that including a wall power input, typically configured toconnect to a power line, a power line communication (PLC) circuit thatis configured to receive data from and transmit data on a power lineconnected to the wall power input, at least one antenna, and a wirelessAP circuit connected to the PLC circuit, the wireless AP configured toreceive data from the PLC circuit and to wirelessly transmit the datausing the at least one antenna, and further configured to receivewireless data on the at least one antenna and to transmit the receiveddata to the PLC circuit. In particular, described herein are powerreceptacle wireless access point devices that are configuredspecifically to fit into a standard power box within a wall, floor orceiling, and convert an otherwise “standard” outlet, switch, etc. into awireless access point, without requiring a cable connection to theaccess point.

Power line communication (PLC) may also be described as broadband powerline (BPL) networking and mains connection networking, and may utilizeexisting electrical wire or power lines installed within a house orbuilding structure to form a network. Wires or cables that transmit ordistribute electrical power are used to simultaneously transmit orcommunicate data, including voice and video, by using modulation. Asmentioned above, a modem can be used to superimpose a modulated radiofrequency (RF) carrier signal between 1.8-86 MHz at low energy levels onan alternating current (AC) signal with a frequency range of about 50-60Hz that is carried by a typical power line. The RF carrier signal canthen be demodulated and extracted at another location downstream alongthe power line. Network-capable devices coupled to components used toestablish power line communications can achieve interconnectivity thatmay rival the network security afforded by LANs. Power linecommunications can be used for many types of applications, including,but not limited to, interconnecting computers, peripherals, andentertainment devices, and the like; providing internet access; andenabling home automation, VoIP, IPTV, HDMI, and VoD.

A computer-enabled device (“networking device”) may form or join a PLCnetwork by connecting to a PLC adapter with access to the PLC network ora power line that will be used to form it. The connection between thenetworking device and adapter may be wired. As an example, an Ethernetcable may be used to establish the wired connection. A wirelessconnection is also possible and may be accomplished using a transmitter,receiver, and antenna.

Described herein are power receptacle wireless access point devices thatare configured to fit over a (e.g., standard) power box within a wall,floor or ceiling, and convert them to a wireless access point that mayalso typically include one or more power outlet and/or switches. Thus,the functionality of the power outlet (allowing electrical device toplug into the power outlet to receive power) and/or switch (lightswitch, 3-way switch, dimmer switch, etc.) may be preserved.

In general, any of the power receptacle wireless access point devicesdescribed herein may include a faceplate that resembles the faceplate ofa standard power outlet/light switch. The faceplate may connect over anexisting outlet and/or light switch or the power receptacle wirelessaccess point device may include one or more integrate electricaloutlet(s) and/or light switches. In general, these devices may beconfigured to cover and/or connect to a electrical box. For example, thepower receptacle wireless access point devices may include a mountconfigured to mount the device in or over an electrical box, such asscrews, opening for screws, bracing, and the like to hold the device inand/or over an electrical box within a wall, ceiling or floor.

In use, one or more power receptacle wireless access point devices maybe installed in a habitable structure. For example, multiple rooms of astructure may be equipped with power receptacle wireless access pointdevices on one or more outlet (e.g. power outlet, light switch, etc.)for providing wireless connectivity with the room. Thus, in general, thepower receptacle wireless access point devices may include a relativelyweak or low-power wireless AP circuit. In addition, the wireless APcircuit may be configured or adapted to isolate or separate from othernearby APs to prevent interference between the adjacent and/oroverlapping AP. For example, the wireless AP circuitry may be configuredto shift the frequency on which the particular wireless AP operates.

Any of the nodes described above may be configured as power receptaclewireless access point devices. For example, a power receptacle wirelessaccess point devices may include one or more sensors, and/or maywirelessly communicate with a hub. In the particular case of powerreceptacle wireless access point devices, the device may communicate thestatus of the AP to the hub, traffic through the access point, packetinformation (volume, rate, etc.), error codes, and the like.

FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrates one example of a prior art faceplate for apower outlet 1650 and a pair of power outlets 1651. Other commerciallyavailable faceplates for power outlets may include multiple (e.g.,adjacent) pairs of power outlets. In general, the devices describedherein (e.g., nodes and, in particular, power receptacle wireless accesspoint devices) may be configured to fit over or replace a standard poweroutlet, or replace or fit over a standard face place for a power outlet,or fit into or over a standard power box. Although the power outlets,switches, faceplates, and power boxes described herein typicallycorrespond to NEM type standard outlets used in the U.S., the devicesand system described herein may be applied to and used with any type ofpower outlet, including any of the known standard types: NEMA 1-15unpolarised, NEMA 1-15 polarised, JIS C 8303, Class II, NEMA 5-15, NEMA5-20, JIS C 8303, Class I, CEE 7/16 (Europlug), CEE 7/17, GOST 7396 C 1,BS 4573, BS 546, CEE 7/5, CEE 7/4 Schuko, BS 1363, IS 401 & 411, MS 589,SS 145, SI 32, TIS 166-2549, AS/NZS 3112, CPCS-CCC, LRAM 2073, Swiss SEV1011, Danish 107-2-D1, CEI 23-16/VII, South Africa SABS 164-1, BrazilianNBR 14136 (2 pin), Brazilian NBR 14136 (3 pin), South Africa SABS 164-2(2 pin), South Africa SABS 164-2 (3 pin), etc.

In FIG. 16B, a power outlet includes a pair or power receptacles 1654,each including contact openings 1659 for connecting to a complementaryplug, as well as retaining elements (bracket/mounting strap 1655 andretaining screw(s) 1657) and electrical connections/contacts thatinclude terminal screws 1670, 1671 for securing to the wall power line(e.g., ground, neutral, and hot lines). Any of the nodes describedherein may include a power outlet that also includes retaining elementsfor retaining the device or over a power box 1680, a power receptacle1654, and electrical connections 1670, 1671 for connecting to the wallpower.

For example, FIGS. 16C-16F illustrates one variation of a powerreceptacle wireless access point devices (node) that is configured as apower outlet and can be positioned in an existing (‘standard’)electrical box for holding a power outlet in a wall, ceiling or floor.For example, FIGS. 16E and 16F illustrates a side (profile) and frontperspective view of the power receptacle wireless access point devicesconfigured as a power outlet. In this example, the device includes a“standard” (e.g., NEMA) receptacle as well as a power line communication(PLC) circuit configured to receive data from and transmit data on apower line connected to the wall power input, and a wireless AP circuitconnected to the PLC circuit, as well as at least one Wi-Fi antennaconnected to the wireless AP circuit. In this example, the PLC circuit,wireless AP circuit and antenna are all housed in a low-profile housing1654 that is positioned over the electrical receptacle. The powerreceptacle wireless access point device also includes a wall power input(e.g., terminal screws) configured to connect to a power line in a wallbox, and mounts (e.g., mounting straps 1655 and/or screws 1657) to holdthe power receptacle wireless access point device in a standardelectrical box in the wall. The wireless AP is configured to receivedata from the PLC circuit and to wirelessly transmit the data using theat least one antenna, and further configured to receive wireless data onthe at least one antenna and to transmit the received data to the PLCcircuit. In general, the housing 1654 may be adapted to allow passage ofRF signals (e.g., wireless signals) therethrough. In some variations thewireless antenna may be located outside of the housing (though coveredby a, e.g., plastic, faceplate, or in some variations exposed).

The power receptacle wireless access point device shown in FIGS. 16E and16F may be covered with a faceplate, as shown in FIGS. 16C and 16D. Inthis example the faceplate is separate from the power receptaclewireless access point device, though it may be integrated with it. Insome variations a standard faceplate (e.g. having an opening for two ormore power receptacles) may be used. For example the housing 1654 forthe wireless AP circuitry and/or PLC circuit and/or antenna may beadapted to ‘cover’ or otherwise fit into the opening in a standardfaceplate.

FIGS. 16G-16J illustrate another variation of a power receptaclewireless access point device, including an additional (e.g., USB port)1690. Thus, in this example, which may otherwise be similar to theexample shown in FIGS. 16E-16F, the power receptacle wireless accesspoint device includes a connector for a cable, such as an Ethernetcable, in addition to acting as a wireless AP. The faceplate (e.g.,FIGS. 16G and 16H) may include an opening allowing access to the port1690. In some variations the port is a PoE port.

The examples of power receptacle wireless access point devices shown inFIGS. 16C-16J above may be used to replace (e.g., retrofit) anelectrical outlet and include a separate faceplate. In some variationsthe power receptacle wireless access point device may be adapted tooperate with an existing power outlet (e.g., such as the power outletshown in FIG. 16B or other types of standard power outlets). Forexample, a PLC circuit, wireless AP circuit and antenna may be connectedto a faceplate (e.g. around the periphery of the faceplate) or mayextend from the faceplate, and may extend from the faceplate slightly(or may be flush with the faceplate). An example is shown in FIGS. 16K1and 16L. In FIG. 16L, the faceplate includes a housing for a PLCcircuit, wireless AP circuit and antenna. The faceplate may connect(e.g., via wires 1697 or other electrical connector, to the power linein the electrical box). The faceplate version of the power receptaclewireless access point device is shown with an opening for accessing astandard electrical outlet; in FIG. 16K2, the faceplate version of thepower receptacle wireless access point device is shown connected to astandard outlet. In some variations, as illustrated in FIG. 16M, thefaceplate includes the PLC circuit, wireless AP circuit and antennaintegrated thereon, and also includes plugs 1695 for connecting thecircuitry into one of the standard outlet receptacles; the faceplate canthen be secured using a mounting screw 1696, as in FIG. 16L.

FIGS. 16E-16M each illustrate variations of power receptacle wirelessaccess point devices that link to an external internet source viaprovide power line communication and establish wireless AP communicationregions within a room or rooms. In these examples, the power receptaclewireless access point devices also leave intact (or replace with acomparable) power outlet that includes a socket for connecting anelectrical device. A faceplate may be integrated or separate, and mayinclude a hole positioned over the socket to provide physical access tothe socket.

In any of these examples, the PLC circuit (e.g., PLC module) may includecircuitry supporting Bluetooth or Wireless USB. Power may be provideddirectly from the wall line after installation. In some variations theantenna included as part of the power receptacle wireless access pointdevice is a microstrip antenna. The antenna is generally oriented toproject from the faceplate and may therefore be directional (e.g., awayfrom the faceplate), although the radiating pattern may be directed moreinto the room than back into the wall.

In general, the faceplate may be manufactured of a plastic material. Thefaceplate may be colored (e.g., white, ivory, black, tan, etc.) to matchexisting faceplates, and may have a mat or glossy finish. In somevariations, the faceplate may be manufactured of aluminum, with a darkanodized finish; however the faceplate may generally allow transmissionof wireless signals from the included antenna(s) in the power receptaclewireless access point devices.

FIG. 16N is a block diagram illustrating one example of PLC circuitry.In this example, a baseband processor 1620 connects to the networkinterface 1622, a transmit signal conditioning circuitry 1624, and areceive signal conditioning circuitry 1626. The transmit signalconditioning circuitry 1624 and receive signal conditioning circuitry1626 are each connected to a throw of a single-pole double-throw (SPDT)switch 1628. A bandpass filter 1630 interposes an output and the pole ofthe SPDT switch 1628. The output may be an antenna 1632 and/or wirelessAP circuitry, an Ethernet port, etc. In some variations, the PCLcircuitry supports multiple frequency ranges.

FIG. 16 o illustrates one example of a PLC module and an AP circuit(e.g., AP chip) that may be used with any of the power receptaclewireless access point devices described herein. In this example, thecircuit also includes a pair of antennas (Ant-0 and Ant-1) connected toa processor (in this example, a processor for handling a wireless AP)with switch controls. The PLC module includes a PLC processor (in thisexample, AR 7420). Other processors and antennas may be used. Ingeneral, the resulting circuitry may be highly compact, as describedabove.

In addition to the wall-mounted variations of the power receptaclewireless access point devices described herein, also described are plugadapters, including power strip adapters, configured as power receptaclewireless access point devices. In general, power strips may not beeasily used with power line communications, because the filtering andprotections associated with such devices typically disrupt the PLCtransmission on the line. Thus, in some variations a power strip mayplug into an outlet and include the PLC circuitry and AP circuitry aswell as one or more antennas, allowing the device to operate as an AP.The electrical outlets on the power strip may be ‘downstream’ of theconnection of the PLC and AP circuitry to the input to line power,thereby allowing the power strip to easily provide the same protections(e.g., power filtering, circuit breakers, and/or limiters) oftraditional power strips, while still operating as a power receptaclewireless access point devices (although devices plugged into the powerstrip may not use PLC. Alternatively, in some variations additionalcircuitry (boosters, repeaters, etc.) may be provided to allow PLCaccess directly through the outlets of the power line.

In some variations a power receptacle wireless access point devices maybe an adapter that plugs into an existing electrical outlet. Forexample, FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate one variation of a powerreceptacle wireless access point devices configured as an adapter. Inthis example, the device is configured to connect to an outlet andoperated as an extremely low profile AP as well as including an Ethernetconnection (e.g., PoE connection). The device shown in FIG. 19A (andindeed, any power receptacle wireless access point device) may includeone or more indicator lights 1907 (e.g. LEDs, display, etc.) indicatingthe status, including the status of the wireless connectivity. FIG. 19Bshows an end view of the device of FIG. 19A, showing an Ethernetport/connector 1911 on one end (e.g., top or bottom). Within the housing(not visible) is a PLC module (circuit/chip) and an AP module(circuit/chip) as well as an antenna. Two or three prongs (plug 1902)may be used to plug the device into an existing outlet. In somevariations, the device may include one or more receptacles 1903 forplugs so that the outlet is not occluded by the power receptaclewireless access point device adapter.

FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrates examples of systems using the powerreceptacle wireless access point devices shown in FIGS. 16C-16M. In FIG.17A, each of the outlets shown is a power receptacle wireless accesspoint device that operates as a wireless access point and is connectedthrough the wall power line to a “virtual switch”. The virtual switchmay be a web based browser application on a local server or, optionally,a remotely located machine on a public cloud. In local deployment, thecontroller may be managed by a single user to maintain an office networkwith a few access points around the building. In cloud deployment, thecontroller provisions multiple deployment sites, e.g. multiple schoolcampus buildings and outdoor areas consisting of thousands of accesspoints and tens of thousands of users.

In any system including the power receptacle wireless access pointdevices described herein, a hub connected to an internet serviceprovider (ISP) that encodes and decodes the signals onto the local powerline (e.g., via LAN power line communication) may be included as part ofthe system. For example a hub (e.g., router) and/including a power lineadapter set can be plugged into a power outlet and establish an Ethernetconnection using the existing electrical wiring (wall power) in thehome. Alternatively in some variations these devices may be used withbroadband over power line (BPL) systems. In some variations, the PLCcircuit for connecting the ISP device to the home power line may be anEthernet connector coupled to a power receptacle wireless access pointdevice, as shown in FIGS. 16G-16J, above.

FIG. 17B illustrates a variation providing Enterprise PLC. In thisexample, a power over Ethernet (POE) module coupled to an Ethernet port.In other variations, the circuitry is adapted to include additionalcommunication e.g. wireless access point or a mesh node. FIG. 16Dillustrates a system using power receptacle wireless access pointdevices such as those shown above. Each of the POE access points may beconnected to a device using an Ethernet cable. The devices may includeswitches, phones, and cameras. In addition, the power receptaclewireless access point devices may also act to provide a wirelessconnection port (AP) for other devices within the structure. In somevariations, as mentioned above, the devices may connect through thepower line to a switch or virtual switch.

In general, the power receptacle wireless access point devices maysupport wireless standards, e.g., wireless USB and Bluetooth, and meshnode communications. In some variations, the power receptacle wirelessaccess point devices support POE and mesh node communication. In somevariations, the power receptacle wireless access point devices supportPOE and at least one wireless frequency range, e.g. 2.4 GHz, 3.6 GHz,4.9 GHz, 5 GHz, and 5.9 GHz. When more than one wireless frequency rangeis implemented, additional antennas may be used (e.g., positioned in theface plate).

In general, a mesh node includes a small radio transmitter thatfunctions similar to a wireless router. Nodes may use the Wi-Fistandards, e.g. 802.11a, b, and g to communicate wirelessly with usersand with each other. Nodes may be programmed with software that tellsthem how to interact within the larger network. In mesh networks,information typically travels across the network from point A to point Bby hopping wirelessly from one mesh node to the next. The nodesautomatically choose the quickest and safest path in a process known asdynamic routing. In a wireless mesh network, only one node needs to bephysically wired to a network connection. That one wired node thenshares its Internet connection wirelessly with all other nodes in itsvicinity. Those nodes then share the connection wirelessly with thenodes closest to them. The more nodes, the further the connectionspreads, creating a wireless “cloud of connectivity” that can serve asmall office or a city of millions.

FIGS. 17C-17D illustrate one variation of an antenna that may be usedfor the apparatuses described herein. This antenna is configured as a 2x2 MIMO antenna that can operate within the narrow confines of thewall-mounted power receptacle wireless access point device. In FIG. 17Cthe faceplate 1755 of the power receptacle wireless access point deviceis shown for reference, and may include a single plug receptacle 1757and (optionally) a POE connector receptacle or simple Ethernet connector1759. The antenna 1766 includes the emitter/radiator surface which isformed as part of a single feed (primary feed) having two (or in somevariations more) isolated antenna input feeds. FIG. 17D shows a sideview of the antenna primary feed (and the locations of the antenna inputfeeds 1769, 1769′). With an outline of the power receptacle wirelessaccess point. FIG. 17E shows a side perspective view of this variationof the antenna emitter/radiator. The shape of the emitter/radiatorportion of the antenna may be adjusted to optimize for the emittingpattern, and additional elements, such as reflectors, may also beincluded. The use of a single primary feed (having a singleemitter/radiator) with multiple antenna input fees (e.g., two, three ormore) may be particularly advantageous.

FIGS. 18A-18E illustrate examples of systems for distributing powerreceptacle wireless access point devices throughout a structure,providing network access. Any of the nodes (and hubs) described hereinmay also be used and/or may be configured as power receptacle wirelessaccess point devices. Thus, these systems may include any of theaforementioned customizable access points or communication outlets,switches, and dimmers.

FIG. 18A illustrates a variation of a system 1700 including powerreceptacle wireless access point devices that have been provisionedthrough the large room to provide customizable access points orcommunication outlets. In this example, there is central control of agroup audience setting, e.g. conference room, lecture hall, theater, orbanquet room. A hub may be used in communication with a control unit(e.g., tablet, computer, phone, etc.) to wirelessly control one or moredevices. For example, an audience experience may be managed from naccess device (e.g., wireless tablet 1802). In one instance, there arewireless access points 1801, 1801′, 1801″, e.g. on the wall, at lightswitches, in the ceiling, recessed in the floor, etc., positionedthrough the room and/or near the participants. A device may be connecteddirectly (e.g., via Ethernet connection) to a power receptacle wirelessaccess point device, or it may be wirelessly connected. In addition, theroom may be equipped with multiple other nodes which may also controlone or more devices or actuators (e.g., lights, audio-visual equipment,etc.), and their availability is transmitted to the hub and/orcontroller. To illustrate, the access device 1802 may be a mobilecomputing device, laptop, or cellphone, and can access the soundcircuitry and put the device on mute during the performance or lecture.Alternatively, in a theater setting, the libretto or score may betransmitted to provide closed captioning. Alternatively, the lightoutput of the device may be adjusted to reduce the impact at theneighboring chairs or the key clicks may be muted.

FIG. 18B shows another example of a system 1800 used in a modular officeenvironment. There multiple access points 1801, 1801′, 1801″ positionedin different cubicles, e.g. at the entrance into the cubicle. The APsmay provide access within this and adjacent cubicles, and the coveragemay be overlapping. The power receptacle wireless access point devicesand/or the virtual switch connected to them may manage the overlap andallow continuous access between the different regions. Thus, an employeemay access the internet via the access points may also plug one or moredevice directly into an Ethernet connection on (including PoEconnectors) on devices having them. In variations in which the powerreceptacle wireless access point device is configured as an electricaloutlet, the outlet may also be used to power one or more devices. Inaddition, the same nodes (in variations of nodes configured as powerreceptacle wireless access point devices and having additional sensors)may be used to monitor the environment and provide data streams to adigital hub or through a hubless network. For example, the officeenvironment, e.g. heat, lighting, air conditioning, may be customizedaccording to the number of cubicles determined to be ‘activated’ byoccupancy or other techniques. In one example, the lights near thecubicle and lighting to the break room, rest room, and exits may beilluminated when one or more of the cubicles are determined to beoccupied. As mentioned above, occupancy may be determined by the hub(digital hub) using combinations of data streams, including detection oflights, sound, visual inputs, internet access, etc. The system may alsocontrol the lighting and other features to reduce lighting according toa timer to allow the employee to safely exit the office environment. Inanother variation, the access point includes an image sensor orbiometric sensor. When the employee's presence in the cubicle is noted,the system applies environmental and access parameters associated withthe employee.

FIG. 18C illustrates a variation of a system 2000 used in a laboratorysetting. In this example, nodes 2004 _(x) distributed throughout thespace include one or more preferably more sensors (or an integratedsensor panel) to monitor particulate levels or a type of gas or heat areamong the environmental parameters controlled. This data is received bya digital hub or master controller that, in response, can adjust theventilation to improve air flow when an unsafe level of gas has beendetected, or adjust the temperature as needed.

FIG. 18D illustrates another example of a system 2100, in this case usedin a hospital setting. The hub and/or master controller may access theenvironmental parameters for each patient room via a plurality ofdifferent nodes (including wall-mounted interactive sensing andaudio-visual node devices. In addition, there are wall-mounted (e.g.,integrated into power outlets and/or wall switches) power receptaclewireless access point devices 2104 x for providing wireless connectivityto various nodes positioned around the zones (e.g., beds). Toillustrate, an IV stand may include a wireless sensor that sends asignal to a hub/master controller that indicates when the IV bag isempty or near empty. The hub/master controller may send a signal to thehospital staff indicating that patient care is needed. Alternatively,the hospital bed may be monitored by a sensor (e.g., a wall-mounted nodehaving a camera and/or motion sensor) so that the hub/controller candetect a sleeping patient. When patient movement has dropped belowthreshold, the lighting in the room may be dimmed.

FIG. 18E illustrates a variation of a system 2200 including one or morepower receptacle wireless access point device used in a restaurantsetting. The power receptacle wireless access point devices may providewireless access throughout the room in a secure and/or unsecure network.For example, customer Wi-Fi access may be provided using the network,while the same power receptacle wireless access point device nodesand/or other nodes connected or connectable to a digital hub formonitoring and/or controlling the space. For example, a hub/mastercontroller may monitor the sound level in the room. The customizableoutlets 2204 may be used for controlling and monitoring lighting,speakers, or microphones. The lighting in the dining area can beadjusted to create a mood, or the white noise generator can be adjustedaccording to the detected sound level, or a banquet room may becustomized for an event. The access points may allow connection towireless speakers which can be regulated/controlled by the digitalhub/controller, thereby improving safety for guests.

Any of the aforementioned systems can be extended to work with standardelectrical receptacles or track based power distribution systems thathave positionable sockets. Any of the data structures and code describedor used to implement any of the devices, systems and method describedherein may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium, which may beany device or medium that can store code and/or data for use by acomputer system. The computer-readable storage medium includes, but isnot limited to, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, magnetic andoptical storage devices such as disk drives, magnetic tape, CDs (compactdiscs), DVDs (digital versatile discs or digital video discs), or othermedia capable of storing computer-readable media now known or laterdeveloped. In general, the methods and processes described in thedetailed description section can be embodied as code and/or data, whichcan be stored in a computer-readable storage medium as described above.When a computer system reads and executes the code and/or data stored onthe computer-readable storage medium, the computer system performs themethods and processes embodied as data structures and code and storedwithin the computer-readable storage medium.

Any of the methods and processes described above can be included inhardware modules. For example, the hardware modules can include, but arenot limited to, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chips,field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and other programmable-logicdevices now known or later developed. When the hardware modules areactivated, the hardware modules perform the methods and processesincluded within the hardware modules.

Examples A. Integrated Data Power Cable (PLC Adapter)

Described herein are PLC adapters that may be used to connect one ormore devices (e.g., a switch, a computer, etc.) to a PLC network.Conventional PLC adapters are generally boxed-shaped and directlyplugged into the socket of a standard electrical wall outlet, using up asignificant amount of space at and around the wall outlet. While someadapters provide an electrical pass-through, there general shape andsize remains the same. One challenge with commercially available PLCnetworking products is the volume of space imposed by an adapter at awall outlet and the area that immediately surrounds it. This is ofparticular concern in older houses and building structures because theygenerally have fewer electrical outlets. Another challenge arises whenthe space between a networking device and wall outlet is cluttered andimpeded with the presence of other physical structures, such asfurniture, electronic devices, and clusters of cables. There is a needto provide an integrated and streamlined power line communicationapparatus that is configured for a minimal footprint.

FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate one example of an integrated PLCadapter/data power cable connecting a networking device (e.g., computerin FIG. 20A and switch in FIG. 20B) to a power line. A networking devicemay include any of the devices described herein, including for example,computers, switches/routers, printers, tablets, thermostats, VoIPphones, cameras, speakers, gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, RFIDreaders, security access pads, intercoms, and elevators, etc.

In FIGS. 20A and 20B, the integrated PLC adapter and power cableincludes a distal end that is configured to plug into a standard line(wall) power outlet (e.g., any of the standard power outlets describedabove). For example, the plug may include a 3 prong connector. The plugmay be connected via an elongate length of insulated connector 2026 toan adapter region 2022 that, in this example, is positioned near theproximal end of the integrated PLC adapter and power cable device, andincludes a housing. The proximal end of the device, connected to thecable, includes a connector 2019 to connect to the power inlet for thenetworking device, as shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, providing power to thedevice. The power may be line power or it may be modified (e.g.,converted to DC) as required by the networking device. Thus, theintegrated PLC adapter and power cables described herein may replacestandard power cords or power cords and power adapters used for any ofthe networking devices described herein (e.g., different variations ofintegrated PLC adapter and power cables may be used). For example, anyof the integrated PLC adapter and power cables described herein mayinclude an AC power adapter to convert wall power into the DC power. TheAC power adapter may be housed within the adapter region 2022. Theadapter region 2022 may also include circuitry and structures, includingconnectors and/or cabling, such as an Ethernet RJ-45 connector and/orEthernet cable 2017, to connect to an Ethernet port on the networkingdevice, as shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B. In some variations, the Ethernetcable 2017 is integrated into the adapter region 2022, while in othervariations the adapter region 2022 includes an Ethernet connector 2024into which a short length of cable may connect, as shown. The proximalend of the integrated PLC adapter and power cable may include aconnector that plugs into the power socket on the networking device.

FIGS. 21A-21B, illustrate an integrated data power cable includes asignal carrier and an adapter, both of which are disposed between apower plug and a power connector, similar to the variations shown inFIGS. 20A-20B. In this example, the signal carrier, which may be in theform of a cable (e.g. AC cable 2026), is elongated. It may have agenerally concentric cross-section and a highly conductive core. Thecore may be constructed from materials such as copper or a copper alloy.Other materials including, but not limited to, aluminum and its alloysare also an option. While less conductive than copper, aluminum shouldbe considered if either cost or weight is an issue. The conductive coremay be a single solid wire, however, a multi-stranded configuration ofbraided, twisted, coiled, or coaxial-arranged wires is preferable sinceit imparts more flexibility and is easier to handle and install.

The conductive core may be surrounded by a relatively flexible,electrically insulating sleeve. The thickness of the sleeve will dependon the various specifications of the signal carrier and the type ofdielectric material from which the sleeve is formed. Commonly usedmaterials for similar applications include polyvinylchloride (PVC),fluoroethylenepropylene (FEP), polytetrafluorethylene (TFE) Teflon,ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), and silicone (SI), for example, andmay be used to fabricate the sleeve. Depending on the material used, thesleeve can embody a solid or semi-solid form. The latter of which may becharacterized by the cellular nature and structural air gaps present ina substance such as foam. An outer coating or thin jacket made of asuitable material for a given external environment encloses the sleeveand conductive core within it.

In general, the adapter region may be configured as a PLC converter, totransmit, receive, encode, and decode data signals on a power line, suchas the 120V AC electrical wiring found in the typical U.S. home. Theadapter may include a modem and a data signal unit having one or morecommunication ports and interfaces. The adapter may be a self-containingunit that is integrated with the signal carrier. As shown in FIGS. 22Aand 22B, respectively, the adapter may be integrated in such a way thatit is positioned along or enclosed within or the signal carrier.

In FIGS. 21A-21B, the adapter region of the integrated PLC adapter andpower cable is positioned near the proximal end, so that the housing forthe adapter region is within a few inches (e.g., less than about 12inches, less than about 10 inches, less than about 9 inches, less thanabout 8 inches, less than about 7 inches, less than about 6 inches, lessthan about 5 inches, less than about 4 inches, less than about 3 inches,less than about 2 inches, less than about and 1 inch, etc.) of theproximal end. The proximal end includes the connector/interface (e.g.,socket) for connection to the networking device. Having the adapterintegrated into the power supply cord and positioned very near the endof the device opposite from the connector/plug for connecting to thewall power (e.g., the distal end) has the surprising advantage ofenhancing both the noise properties, reducing clutter, and enhancing theease of set-up.

The integrated PLC adapter and power cable may therefore be used toestablish a PLC network, in which the modem within the adapter portiontransmits, receives, and processes data and power signals. For example,when the modern receives an outbound data signal that is to betransmitted on a power signal, the modem processes the data signal bymodulating, that is, injecting or superimposing, it onto the powersignal. When the modem receives an inbound modulated data-on-powersignal or composite signal, it performs processes in which it extractsthe data signal from the power signal and demodulates the data signalfor appropriate reading.

As mentioned above, different modulation forms or methods may be used toshape the power signal so that discrete packets of information from thedigital data signal produced by a networking device may be conveyed ontoa continuous analog power signal. The most common techniques involvemodulating one of the parameters of the power signal, or keying. For thesinusoidal waveform of an AC power signal, the parameters may includeamplitude, frequency, and phase. In amplitude-shift keying (ASK), theamplitude of the signal is changed in response to data or information,while the frequency and phase are held constant. With frequency-shiftkeying (FSK), only the frequency is changed in response to data orinformation. And in phase-shift keying (PSK), only the phase of the waveis changed to indicate the data or information carried. Alternatively,other digital modulation techniques, for example, quadrature amplitudemodulation (QAM), continuous phase modulation (CPM), orthogonalfrequency-division multiplexing (OFDM), wavelet or fractal modulation,and spread-spectrum modulation, may be employed.

While interference may be minimal, because a data signal carried on apower signal transfers at a higher frequency than the power signal, afilter or series of filters may optionally be used to clean up thesignal or filter out noise contamination introduced to the power line byother devices plugged into it. For example, washing machines, blenders,hair dryers, refrigerators, and fans, or other device connected to thepower line, could produce noise that might degrade the quality of a PLCnetwork if not filtered out. The filter may be positioned where it canfilter out such noise from other devices that are plugged into the powerline.

The data signal unit/portion of the adapter may have one or morecorresponding communication interfaces and data ports to receive datasignals from networking devices (e.g., over the Ethernet or similarconnection). The data signal unit also may support one or both of wiredand wireless technology. The embodiment depicted in FIGS. 21A-21B showsthe adapter having one data port, however, other embodiments may includemultiple ports. At a data port, data signals are sent and receivedbetween the adapter and a networking device. In one embodiment, anEthernet cable connects an Ethernet port on the adapter of theintegrated data power cable to an Ethernet port on a networking device.Data signals are relayed between these Ethernet ports through theEthernet cable connecting them.

In the example shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, the distal end of theintegrated PLC adapter and power cable device includes a power plug 2105attached to one end of the signal carrier (cord). The type of plug usedmay depend on the whether the power is alternating current (AC) ordirect current (DC), and the amount of voltage that is transmittedthrough the sockets on the receptacle being fed by the power line. Thus,the selected plug may include a converter or other mechanism as isnecessary. The most common wall outlets in the United States use a NEMA(National Electrical Manufacturers Association) 5-15R receptacle, whichhas a set of two narrow slits and a rounded hole. In such circumstances,a suitable plug is the corresponding male, AC, three-pronged NEMA 5-15P(North American 15 A/125 V grounded). Of course, another type of plug,including those used in countries other than the United States and withpower lines other than 120 V, could be used.

Attached to the other end of the signal carrier is the adapter region,which may also include the power converter for adapting and supplyingpower to a networking device (e.g., converting to DC from line power) aswell as acting as a PLC converter, as described above. A few examples ofa variety of different shaped and sized adapters are shown in FIGS.23A-23C. The type of adapter used will depend on the particularnetworking device.

In operation, a modulated signal, e.g., a composite of a data signal anda power signal, may be received from the wall power into the power plugconnected thereto. PLC signal(s) may be is transmitted to the adapter,which may include a modem that can demodulate the signal(s), extractingthe data signal and transmitting it via the Ethernet connection (port)to the connected networking device; similarly communication receivedfrom the networking device may be converted and encoded on the powerline back to the wall power via the adapter. As mentioned, thiscommunication may be provided by an Ethernet cable connecting theEthernet port at the data signal unit with an Ethernet port on anetworking device. When the networking device has data to convey toother devices connected to the PLC network, it may send data signal(s)to the adapter, e.g., a data signal unit that integrates with the modemof the PLC adapter in the integrated PLC adapter and power cable. Themodem modulates the power signal to carry information from the datasignal. The modulated signal is transmitted by the signal carrier andtravels through the power plug onto the power line. The modulated signalmay then be received by any networking device that is also connected tothe PLC network.

In FIG. 24, similar to the variation shown in FIG. 20B, an integratedPLC adapter and power cable includes an adapter positioned immediatelyadjacent to the proximal end where the cable connects to the power inletof the device (shown as a switch) to connect a front end of a networkingdevice to a power line. An Ethernet cable is coupled to an Ethernet porton the integrated PLC adapter and power cable and to a front end of thenetworking device; when a modulated data power signal is received fromthe wall outlet 2405, it travels through the entire elongated signalcarrier (cable 2406) until it reaches the adapter 2415. Once there thePLC adapter demodulates the signal to recover a data signal. Powerprovided by the wall outlet (either directly or after modification,including conversion from AC to DC power and/or amplification) is passedthrough the power connector (e.g., power plug in the networking device)attached to the front end of the networking device. The data signal maybe routed to a data signal unit where, through an Ethernet port and/orcoupled Ethernet cable, it may be transmitted to the Ethernet port onthe front end of the networking device.

B. Integrated Data Power Outlet (PLC Adapter)

FIGS. 25A-25C illustrate another variation of an integrated PLC poweroutlet, similar to those described above. In this example, theintegrated PLC power outlet is configured to be mounted to a wall. Ithas a box-shaped housing, an electrical receptacle, a cover assembly,PLC conversion unit, which may include a modem and data signal unit.

In this example, the integrated PLC power outlet also includes one ormore wired or wireless communication ports and corresponding interfaces.The communication ports may be located on or within the cover plate andthe housing, as shown in FIGS. 25A-25C. Wired ports and interfaces mayinclude, but are not limited to the following technology: Ethernet; USB;HDMI; DVI; and XLR. Wireless or virtual ports have a wireless accesspoint, an antenna, a transmitter, and a receiver, along with a softwareinterface that wirelessly connects through Wi-Fi (or Bluetooth, etc.) anetworking device to a PLC network.

For example, upon properly installing the integrated data power outletinto a power box and connecting the outlet circuitry to that of anexisting power line, a networking device may be added to a PLC networkby plugging in the device's power plug into a socket of the outlet. Amodulated signal is transmitted from the power line to the modem throughthe circuitry residing in the base and connected to the power line. Themodem may process the signal and demodulate (downstream) or modulate(upstream) signals. Power may continue through the electrical socket toa power plug inserted therein, thereby providing power to a device,including a networking device. The extracted data signal may be routedto the data signal unit. A communication interface and port may conveythe data signal to the networking device through a wired or wirelesscarrier. As an example, an Ethernet cable along with correspondinginterface and port may be used. Alternatively, if the integrated PLCpower outlet is configured to include a wireless access point (asdescribed above) including an antenna (along with a transmitter andreceiver), it may be used to wirelessly transmit the data signal to thenetworking device.

When a feature or element is herein referred to as being “on” anotherfeature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or elementor intervening features and/or elements may also be present. Incontrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directlyon” another feature or element, there are no intervening features orelements present. It will also be understood that, when a feature orelement is referred to as being “connected”, “attached” or “coupled” toanother feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached orcoupled to the other feature or element or intervening features orelements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element isreferred to as being “directly connected”, “directly attached” or“directly coupled” to another feature or element, there are nointervening features or elements present. Although described or shownwith respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so describedor shown can apply to other embodiments. It will also be appreciated bythose of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature thatis disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap orunderlie the adjacent feature.

Terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.For example, as used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification,specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/orgroups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and allcombinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may beabbreviated as “/”.

Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”,“upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that thespatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in thefigures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements orfeatures. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both anorientation of over and under. The device may be otherwise oriented(rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relativedescriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms“upwardly”, “downwardly”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and the like are usedherein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicatedotherwise.

Although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describevarious features/elements (including steps), these features/elementsshould not be limited by these terms, unless the context indicatesotherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature/elementfrom another feature/element. Thus, a first feature/element discussedbelow could be termed a second feature/element, and similarly, a secondfeature/element discussed below could be termed a first feature/elementwithout departing from the teachings of the present invention.

As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in theexamples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers may beread as if prefaced by the word “about” or “approximately,” even if theterm does not expressly appear. The phrase “about” or “approximately”may be used when describing magnitude and/or position to indicate thatthe value and/or position described is within a reasonable expectedrange of values and/or positions. For example, a numeric value may havea value that is +/−0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−1%of the stated value (or range of values), +/−2% of the stated value (orrange of values), +/−5% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−10%of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical rangerecited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein.

Although various illustrative embodiments are described above, any of anumber of changes may be made to various embodiments without departingfrom the scope of the invention as described by the claims. For example,the order in which various described method steps are performed mayoften be changed in alternative embodiments, and in other alternativeembodiments one or more method steps may be skipped altogether. Optionalfeatures of various device and system embodiments may be included insome embodiments and not in others. Therefore, the foregoing descriptionis provided primarily for exemplary purposes and should not beinterpreted to limit the scope of the invention as it is set forth inthe claims.

The examples and illustrations included herein show, by way ofillustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which thesubject matter may be practiced. As mentioned, other embodiments may beutilized and derived there from, such that structural and logicalsubstitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scopeof this disclosure. Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter maybe referred to herein individually or collectively by the term“invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarilylimit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventiveconcept, if more than one is, in fact, disclosed. Thus, althoughspecific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, anyarrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substitutedfor the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to coverany and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in theart upon reviewing the above description.

What is claimed is:
 1. A power receptacle wireless access point (AP)device, the device comprising: a wall power input configured to connectto a power line; a power line communication (PLC) circuit, the PLCcircuit configured to receive data from and transmit data on a powerline connected to the wall power input; at least one antenna; a wirelessAP circuit connected to the PLC circuit, the wireless AP configured toreceive data from the PLC circuit and to wirelessly transmit the datausing the at least one antenna, and further configured to receivewireless data on the at least one antenna and to transmit the receiveddata to the PLC circuit; and a mount configured to mount the device inor over an electrical box.
 2. The device of claim 1, further wherein thePLC circuit and the wireless AP circuit receive power from the wallpower input.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the PLC circuit comprisesa demodulator configured to demodulate a data signal from the powerline.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the PLC circuit comprises amodulator configured to modulate a data signal for transmission on thepower line.
 5. The device of claim 1, further comprising an electricalpower outlet configured to receive electrical power from the power line.6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a switch configured toconnect power from the power line to a power output.
 7. The device ofclaim 1, further comprising a housing configured to house the PLCcircuit, antenna and wireless AP circuit.
 8. The device of claim 1,further comprising a faceplate configured to fit over an electrical box,wherein the wireless AP circuit, antenna and power line communicationcircuit are connected to the faceplate.
 9. The device of claim 1,wherein the at least one antenna comprises a transmission antenna and areceiving antenna.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least oneantenna is a Wi-Fi antenna.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein thewireless AP circuit comprises a Wi-Fi radio circuit.
 12. The device ofclaim 1, further comprising a power over Ethernet (PoE) output plug. 13.The device of claim 1, wherein the mount comprises an opening for ascrew.
 14. A power receptacle wireless access point (AP) device, thedevice comprising: a wall power input configured to connect to a powerline; a power line communication (PLC) circuit, the PLC circuitconfigured to receive data from and transmit data on a power lineconnected to the wall power input; at least one antenna; a wireless APcircuit connected to the PLC circuit, the wireless AP configured toreceive data from the PLC circuit and to wirelessly transmit the datausing the at least one antenna, and further configured to receivewireless data on the at least one antenna and to transmit the receiveddata to the PLC circuit; an electrical power outlet configured toreceive electrical power from the power line; and a mount configured tomount the device in an electrical box.
 15. The device of claim 14,further wherein the PLC circuit and the wireless AP circuit receivepower from the wall power input.
 16. The device of claim 14, wherein thePLC circuit comprises a demodulator configured to demodulate a datasignal from the power line.
 17. The device of claim 14, wherein the PLCcircuit comprises a modulator configured to modulate a data signal fortransmission on the power line.
 18. The device of claim 14, furthercomprising a housing configured to house the PLC circuit, antenna andwireless AP circuit.
 19. The device of claim 14, wherein the at leastone antenna comprises a transmission antenna and a receiving antenna.20. The device of claim 14, wherein the at least one antenna is a Wi-Fiantenna.
 21. The device of claim 14, wherein the wireless AP circuitcomprises a Wi-Fi radio circuit.
 22. The device of claim 14, furthercomprising a power over Ethernet (PoE) output plug.
 23. A powerreceptacle wireless access point (AP) device, the device comprising: awall power input configured to connect to a power line; a power linecommunication (PLC) circuit, the PLC circuit configured to receive datafrom and transmit data on a power line connected to the wall powerinput; at least one antenna; a wireless AP circuit connected to the PLCcircuit and to the at least one antenna, the wireless AP configured toreceive data from the PLC circuit and to wirelessly transmit the datausing the at least one antenna, and further configured to receivewireless data from the at least one antenna and to transmit the receiveddata to the PLC circuit for transmission on the power line; and afaceplate configured to fit over an electrical box, wherein the wirelessAP circuit, antenna and power line communication circuit are connectedto the faceplate.
 24. The device of claim 23, wherein the faceplatecomprises an opening for an electrical outlet.
 25. A power receptaclewireless access point (AP) adapter device, the device comprising: a wallpower input configured to connect to a power line comprising a plugconfigured to insert into a wall outlet; a power line communication(PLC) circuit, the PLC circuit configured to receive data from andtransmit data on a power line connected to the wall power input; atleast one antenna; a wireless AP circuit connected to the PLC circuit,the wireless AP configured to receive data from the PLC circuit and towirelessly transmit the data using the at least one antenna, and furtherconfigured to receive wireless data on the at least one antenna and totransmit the received data to the PLC circuit.
 26. The device of claim25, further comprising a plurality of electrical power outletsconfigured to receive electrical power from the power line and provideelectrical power to a plug connected any of the electrical poweroutlets.